What do you do if your leadership style is not resonating with your team?
When your leadership style isn't meshing well with your team, it can feel like a setback. But it's also an opportunity for growth and improvement. As a leader, your primary goal is to inspire and guide your team towards success, and sometimes that means adapting your approach. This article will explore practical steps you can take to adjust your leadership style and create a more harmonious and productive work environment.
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Jad AndraosAccount Executive @Equinix | LinkedIn Top Voice: People Management | Leadership and Career Development Advocate | Road…
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Francisco JoséEstratégias Inovadoras | Liderança e Gestão | Inteligência Comercial | Métodos Ágeis | Planejamento Estratégico e KAM |…
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Mohd. Ali NaqviExperienced Cloud Solution Architect and Multi-Cloud Specialist with expertise in VNF and CNF | Kubernetes Guru | RHEL…
To address a disconnect with your team, start by conducting an honest self-assessment. Reflect on feedback you've received and consider whether your communication style, decision-making process, or conflict resolution methods might be contributing to the issue. It's crucial to approach this step with openness and a willingness to change. Identifying areas where your style may clash with your team's needs is the first step toward creating a more effective leadership approach.
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David Ruhe
Building an electrical future
1. Do not assume 2. Listen to your team, give and ensure them your trust. (and make sure you give them the right amount of trust) 3. Asses based on data points + current (emotional) state of the team. 4. Make sure to be honest, clear and tell them why things are as they are. 5. Share the "end-game", let them know, (make sure they KNOW!) what the benefits are 6. Remind them of "their" personal gain (if the team succeeds/wins!) 7. When you can't?... make sure you did everything you must/needed to do, then adapt to the needs of the team, and/or inform your superior, why, how and who to "let go / replace"
Once you've reflected internally, seek direct feedback from your team. Create a safe space for them to express their thoughts and concerns without fear of repercussions. This could be through anonymous surveys or one-on-one conversations. Pay close attention to recurring themes or specific instances they mention. Their insights will be invaluable in helping you understand how your leadership style is perceived and which aspects may need tweaking.
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Francisco José
Estratégias Inovadoras | Liderança e Gestão | Inteligência Comercial | Métodos Ágeis | Planejamento Estratégico e KAM | KPIs e CRM | Treinamento e OKRs | Vendas, Marketing & Resultados
Encouraging team members to share their feedback can uncover valuable insights into team dynamics and how your leadership impacts them. Consider implementing regular feedback sessions where team members can speak freely. This could be in the form of retrospectives after completing projects, where everyone discusses what went well and what could be improved. Additionally, fostering a culture where feedback is not only accepted but also acted upon can significantly enhance trust and collaboration within the team. Remember, feedback is a two-way street; it’s as much about listening and understanding as it is about providing guidance and support.
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Mohd. Ali Naqvi
Experienced Cloud Solution Architect and Multi-Cloud Specialist with expertise in VNF and CNF | Kubernetes Guru | RHEL Engineer | Oracle Cloud Consultant | VMware Expert | OpenStack Developer | Helm Administrator
Start by seeking feedback from your team members to understand their perspectives and concerns. Create opportunities for open and honest communication, such as one-on-one meetings, team discussions, or anonymous surveys. Listen actively to their feedback without becoming defensive and be open to constructive criticism.
After gathering feedback, be prepared to adapt your leadership style flexibly. This might mean altering your communication methods, being more collaborative in decision-making, or offering more support and guidance. Remember that different situations and team members may require different approaches. Flexibility doesn't mean being inconsistent; it means being responsive to the needs of your team and the demands of the situation.
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Mohd. Ali Naqvi
Experienced Cloud Solution Architect and Multi-Cloud Specialist with expertise in VNF and CNF | Kubernetes Guru | RHEL Engineer | Oracle Cloud Consultant | VMware Expert | OpenStack Developer | Helm Administrator
Be willing to adapt your leadership approach to better meet the needs and preferences of your team members. Consider incorporating elements of servant leadership, transformational leadership, or democratic leadership, depending on the situation and the dynamics of your team.
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Francisco José
Estratégias Inovadoras | Liderança e Gestão | Inteligência Comercial | Métodos Ágeis | Planejamento Estratégico e KAM | KPIs e CRM | Treinamento e OKRs | Vendas, Marketing & Resultados
Adapting your leadership style is a dynamic process that requires attentiveness and a willingness to evolve. It’s about finding the right balance between consistency and adaptability. For instance, you might switch from a directive approach to a more participative style when team input is crucial. Or, you might offer more autonomy to a team member who thrives on independence while providing closer guidance to someone who needs it. The key is to be attuned to the unique needs of each situation and individual, and to be willing to adjust your methods accordingly. This kind of responsive leadership not only fosters a positive work environment but also empowers your team to perform at their best.
It's essential to communicate any changes you plan to make in response to the feedback. Let your team know that you've heard them and are committed to adjusting your style for the betterment of the group. Outline the specific actions you'll take and how you hope these changes will improve team dynamics. Clear communication reinforces trust and shows your team that their input is valued and effective.
Implementing changes to your leadership style should be a gradual process. Sudden, sweeping changes can be overwhelming and may not stick. Start with one or two adjustments and give both yourself and your team time to adapt. Monitor the impact of these changes and solicit ongoing feedback to ensure they're having the desired effect. Patience and persistence are key during this transitional phase.
Finally, regularly evaluate the progress of the changes you've implemented. This isn't a one-time fix but an ongoing process of refinement. Set up periodic check-ins with your team to discuss how things are going and where further adjustments may be needed. Celebrate the successes and learn from any setbacks. Continuous evaluation helps ensure that your leadership style evolves in tandem with your team's needs.
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Mohd. Ali Naqvi
Experienced Cloud Solution Architect and Multi-Cloud Specialist with expertise in VNF and CNF | Kubernetes Guru | RHEL Engineer | Oracle Cloud Consultant | VMware Expert | OpenStack Developer | Helm Administrator
Regularly monitor the progress and dynamics of your team, and be willing to adjust your leadership approach as needed. Stay attuned to feedback, observe changes in team dynamics, and be proactive in addressing any issues or concerns that arise.
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Jad Andraos
Account Executive @Equinix | LinkedIn Top Voice: People Management | Leadership and Career Development Advocate | Road to 10K🚀
Be flexible. Change. Simple You cannot keep pointing fingers at others. There are so many well documented styles of leadership: strategic, transformational, servant, coaching, and the list goes on... Choose the one that resonates with your values and the one of your team.
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