The world’s greatest leaders have something in common – the ability to engage, inspire and connect with those around them. From leaders on the championship court such as LeBron James to those at the top of forward-thinking organizations like Sheryl Sandberg, they have a way of rallying others to produce outstanding results.
The way you lead has a direct impact on your organization’s culture. Consider this…according to a report in USA Today, nearly one-third of employees reported that their bosses hurt company culture and roughly 25% said that their manager didn’t care about them as a person. Your leadership style has a direct impact on performance, engagement, and how others view your organization.
But what makes a great leader? Traditional leadership models continue to be challenged in today’s modern workplace. Modern leaders resemble that of a coach, yet many leaders today still don’t know what this looks like. According to an article in Inc. magazine, 93% of managers feel they need training on how to coach their employees. There are many elements to being a great coach in today’s modern workplace – here are few of my favorites:
- Be a coach, not a dictator
John Wooden said it best, “Make sure that the team members know they are working with you, not for you.” A leader today needs to be viewed as part of the team – not someone who is dishing out orders from behind a desk. Roll up your sleeves and get into the trenches with a collaborative style. Know when to be hands-on and when to let your team run with it. Cultures should be designed around networks, squads or teams – not a traditional top-down hierarchy.
- Practice involved detachment
According to research by DeLoitte, recent shifts in organizational design models require a different kind of leader – one who embraces a fluid, collaborative culture. Practice involved detachment…let your team members set their own goals and get to the end on their own. As General Stanley McChrystal shared, “A leader isn’t good because they’re right; they’re good because they’re willing to learn and trust”.
- Cultivate your digital mindset
As the world evolves, leaders need to embrace a digital mindset and coach their teams to do the same. Research by Josh Bersin indicates that much like the technologies that power our organizations, leadership needs to “be” digital. Be adaptable, try things before you have all the answers, and form a healthy relationship with risk.
Bobby Knight once said “To be as good as it can be, a team has to buy into what you as the coach are doing. They have to feel you’re a part of them and they’re a part of you.” This philosophy holds true on and off the court. Leaders shape the culture of their organizations. The time is now to be an inspiring, collaborative, and empowering leader – coaching your team to the finish line.
Looking to sharpen your leadership style and create your best culture? Reach out to us here. We love helping our clients grow into the leaders they were destined to be, and build their most successful organizations. We want to do the same for you.
