In most workplaces, gone are the days when the “boss” successfully bosses. Today, position, title and/or authority do not equate to leadership.
With fewer and fewer traditional hierarchical organizations and more and more cross-functional teams the norm, relationship based leadership is more critical than ever. Even in smaller companies and small businesses that are more vertical in design, employees are quick to become dissatisfied when authoritarian / command and control leadership is the standard. Even if they don’t leave for other workplaces with more enlightened leadership, they usually dim down and give less than there best – an unconscious reaction to their resistance and resentment.
In 21st Century Leadership one of the common leadership issues raised by participants is the question of how to create cooperation and a collaborative atmosphere with teammates over whom they have no authority. Conceptually the answer is simple – clarify intention, take more ownership, become even more Emotionally Intelligent, show up more (let people know you) and communicate, communicate, communicate.
These are mindsets and skills in which people in 21st Century Leadership are immersed. Given their level of commitment and their willingness to practice following the course, their results will be similar to the graduate who work for a large multinational company and who came to the course at the suggestion of his supervisor to specifically learn how to create more cooperation from others upon whom he relies but over whom he had no authority. Last week he wrote:
“Over the last few weeks I noticed that everyone around me is helping me. I wondered, ‘What’s going on?’
I spoke with my supervisor about this and he replied, ‘Because you are leading now’ and before you were ‘pushing to get the work done.’
Now, I work less and get more results. This is quite amazing actually!”
Want more help, cooperation and ease from “them” (those guys who don’t listen to you)? Begin by reminding yourself it is not about them. You have the key. Lead rather than push.