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Whether in an organization, a business, or a family, many leaders feel similar pressure. New or young leaders are often reluctant to assume authority, or are given authority gradually, or find themselves in leadership roles by default. Unsure of how other stake-holders view them and their role, these maturing leaders often put decisions off until the last possible moment, perhaps hoping circumstances will make decisions unnecessary. But the pressure grows, the decision must be made, and the fledgling leader decides to simply take action. If everyone rejects his leadership, so be it. Even failure is better than the pressure of feeling responsible but not knowing the extent of your authority.
So decisions are made, action taken, and misunderstandings arise. Very often, everyone gets hurt. Followers learn not to trust leaders. Potential leaders decide to either become more independent in the future or refuse to accept leadership roles. And leaders decide to "go it alone," rather than build relationships that lead only to frustration and wounds.
Is this the best way to lead? Is there a better way to exercise authority? A less pressured method of making wise decisions?
Assuming that you genuinely desire to understand others and serve them. You are a servant leader, aren't you? You can gain credibility, respect, and support by asking others to share their views. A number of things happen as you ask questions, all of which strengthen your leadership. The value of questions can be seen in these benefits:
* You can show respect for the experience and views of others
Everyone wants to feel appreciated, and by asking each person to share is a great way to demonstrate appreciation. Whether you agree or not is not the issue. Most people understand that they are not the leader and that their view may not be accepted as the final decision. But most people feel appreciated if someone simply takes the time to hear them out-to value their input.
* You can benefit from views other than your own.
As amazing as it is, other people really do have great ideas. The more a leader pretends to "know it all," the more others will allow him to struggle alone. But the more a leader genuinely values the insight and wisdom of others-and especially if he gives credit where it is due-the more others will offer their insight and opinion. The ultimate responsibility falls to the leader, but more options are always a good thing.
* You can learn what others are really thinking, instead of relying on your, often, erroneous perception of what others think.
Communication is a basic skill, and lack of communication is the underlying cause of untold disasters, including the breakup of families and businesses. When you don't know what others think and feel, you usually imagine far worse than the reality. (Is this, perhaps, from your own guilt or lack of confidence?)
* It builds perception as a wise, cautious, and considerate leader-not prone to quick or injudicious behavior.
Even if an immature leader is only concerned with perception, asking is always a benefit. And, who knows, the leader might be challenged to grow and actually begin to genuinely value the insight of others.
* It allows you to address the fears of others-in both language and actions-when you finally state your decision.
If you know what others think and feel, you can at least use words in stating your decisions that calm those fears or address those views. You may be able to reach your goal as a leader in smaller steps, depending on the comfort level of those you lead.
* Even in the worst situations, your position is never worse than before you asked. You can still take the contemplated action; but you may choose to alter or temper it.
If you must still appear the ogre, at least you have more concrete knowledge of how others will view your decisions or react to your authority. But you're no longer acting without knowledge; at least you won't cause others to react to your manner and attitude rather than the decision itself."
I found this little bit of info online. It makes sense when someone or everyone in their unit wants to question their leaders leadership. If you want to you can copy & paste this to your "Wordpad" & print it out so you can hand it to your unit leader. Or if you are a leader of a unit read the above for future reference.
Generally agree with some of the above. But sometimes the leader must ignore the crowd and force things down their throats. Such is the case when you're working with bozos who think they know it all.
If you work in a workplace where the intelligence level is reasonable, then it's best to lay down some parameters and discuss the issue. That way the group will arrive at some concensus (which would have been your conclusion anyway) and will be more eager to perform the task as it was their decision. Empowered employees generally work harder than the drone so therefore empower them (if they're not like some bozos I work with).
Thank you for your insight, views & opinions. Yes I agree with you that those "know it alls" think they know everything. I have that case with one of my pards in my unit, but I wonder where the facts are to prove that he might "know it all".
"If you work in a workplace where the intelligence level is reasonable, then it's best to lay down some parameters and discuss the issue."
Exactly. Everyone in a workplace (or unit) should talk to one another and lay down some parameters and then discuss it to everyone including their leader.
"Empowered employees generally work harder than the drone so therefore empower them (if they're not like some bozos I work with)."
Oh I know that feeling. My boss is a bit empowered but I forgive him for that. I might be a drone to him but I know for one thing, he has to pay me for my work. LOL
I hope you had a great Easter weekend Gary, Ami & everyone. Happy Easter!
Funny, but it is an American tradition for a leader to explain things to his men. Von Steuben learned this firsthand and complained that in Prussia, you gave the order & the kadavergesorham (literally a dead body awaiting orders) obeyed. In America, the officer must explain why the order is necessary and then the men will do it. Things haven't changed.
Yes. A leader has to explain things to his men. That's what unites the men and bonds them to brotherhood.
" In America, the officer must explain why the order is necessary and then the men will do it."
The men in a squad, unit, company, regiment & battalion have to follow orders as instructed by their commanders and down to the chain of command to the corporals (NCO's). Those things never change. However , based apon the morale of the men, if morale is low the army would almost cease to function as a whole. Quite the opposite if the morale is very high. To become a great leader you have to show your men that you care about their health, opinions, views, feelings or anything else which might have effect for the whole squad, unit, ect. Compassion for the men will bring your position higher & your men will thank you for being a good, honest, decent leader. That builds charactor & comradery. throughout the squad, unit, ect. I know I don't "know-it-all" but that's what the facts are as I see them, as of now.
I hope everyone had a great Easter. Remember to shed those pounds this month.
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