EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP...

Most leaders are effective in their own way – typically accomplishing their defined objectives – yet their tactics are very different as they lead, manage or direct others. Some lead from behind, pushing others to where they wish them to be while seemingly hiding behind the throng as if seeking protection from the resistance that typically comes when new initiatives are advanced against a traditional, “set in its ways” establishment. Other leaders interact with their team but fail to provide direction or initiate meaningful change as they feel successes must be shared by a team that is totally in agreement and blame must be spread across the group equally to avoid hurting any individual’s feelings - often driving decisions down to the lowest common denominator so that no one person will be held responsible for failure (inadvertently ensuring that no one individual will receive recognition for success, either). A third kind of leader tends to cast a vision as to where the team should go, move ahead to clear the path of potential hazards, then wait for the group to catch up before proceeding forward – pulling the team forward by encouraging them to join him or her on a shared adventure – by living the example that those being led can follow. Visionary leaders share successes (be they within a work or a personal setting), assume responsibility for shortcomings (by questioning what he or she could have done differently), and allow others to learn from their failures (without fear of unwarranted repercussions). 

Leading from behind is like trying to push a string uphill. It is almost impossible to keep a string straight and moving in one direction when applying pressure from behind (unless one adds a wire or some other outside strength to keep the string from bending). Try dumping a glass of water on a marble counter and pushing the puddle towards a sink…the water spreads out uncontrollably in all directions, eventually making it to a final destination only after it has moved far outside of its initial path and spread far afield from its intended (and inevitable) end. Leading from behind is like trying to herd cats – you may move a group forward but it will be from a point of chaos rather than in a structured order – from uncontrolled havoc rather than anticipated and planned intentional actions – often resulting in unexpected consequences that provide results that could be bad (because of what was done) or good (in spite of what was done).

 

Geese lead through a group mentality or process…the lead of a migrating flock changes like the wind – but such interchangeable leadership is rarely synonymous with greatness within our “human” society. In order advance as a unit, someone must step away from the pack – must be willing to step forward so that others might follow – or the things that have always been done will continue to be accomplished (though, perhaps, more efficiently due to repetition) and the roads that have always been travelled will continue to be taken (though, perhaps, with less risk as all the twists and turns are anticipated). Packs (or teams left to their own devices) tend to recognize individual positional authority but rarely realize innovation – and often experience challenges to leadership when one member feels that “their way is better” than others. Teams without direction or “reality checks” tend to find comfort within their temporary “known” but are often reluctant to step towards a yet to be defined “unknown.” Without a leader to monitor progress and define/redefine goals, teams may share a common objective but often find their successes are acceptable but not outstanding – are as expected but not innovative – because they seek to avoid failure (rather than reaching for unrealized potential).

Groups that move forward as a singular unit due to the intentional actions of a leader who identifies goals, sounds the charge, then pulls the troops forward as they follow his or her lead find greatness. When objectives are clearly defined and communicated - with responsibility and accountability assigned to individuals willing to embrace failure (and learn from it) while unselfishly sharing the praise (and rewards) that come from success, no objective is impossible – no mountain too high to climb nor valley too deep from which to rise. A group can model and assimilate the successful behavior of a leader (following his or her example) much more easily than it can take ownership of success resulting from the imposition of directives from the rear of OR from “within” the team. Rather than leading by edict, proclamation, or fear, such an individual leads by example – and those being led are ready and willing to follow (sharing either recognition for success OR corrective discussions for failure).

We must “lead, follow or get out of the way” as we move through life. Following rarely makes waves and does not produce new or innovative results but can fulfill the basic needs in society by providing security, consistency and (sometimes) rewards for those setting the goals and initiating action. Getting out of the way simply removes a barrier to success – it rarely allows one to enjoy individual rewards or accomplishments as stepping aside simply allows another to face delays or handle the disruption that obstacles placed in front of us that keep us from those things we wish to achieve (unless, of course, we were to live like geese by choreographing our decisions to  accomplish great things without giving individual credit or assigning singular blame). Leading by example allows us to determine our own path – to find our own way (be it good or bad, positive or negative) as we seek to accomplish great things (either by ourselves OR with other people). One can manage from a distance, direct from within a team, OR Lead by example but can rarely do or be all three at the same time.

 

While it may “take a village to raise a child,” perhaps we would all be better leaders (and ultimately lead stronger teams and live better lives) if we realized it takes more than a village – it takes the cumulative efforts of many focused upon a common objective if great things are to be accomplished. A team can taste success ONLY if someone steps forward and is willing to lead (AND members of the team are willing to learn as they follow an individual they can respect). Relationships follow a similar pattern – those that are partnerships of equals that work together to accomplish shared needs (following a recognized path that takes them to a discussed and mutually beneficial destination) strengthen and grow while those that are led without sharing tend to satisfy one while frustrating the other. Effective leaders lead so that things once thought to be impossible can become everyday reality – and everyday reality will NEVER stand in the way of bringing to fruition the dreams shared by a team or within a relationship.