Follow the leader
As Erik B. & Rakim say, we usually follow the leader. We look for a leader to guide us when working. The role of being a leader is important, but it can also hinder progress if done wrong.
To create a productive work environment, a leader must focus on creating clear goals and providing their team with the necessary resources to succeed.
Leadership with guidance and support
I’m all for flat organisations and minimizing bureaucracy but that requires two things in place.
One is a clear goal that everyone understands and agree to.
And two; that everyone have clear responsibilities, feel empowered to make decisions and also actually can deliver on what they expect to be doing.
Without a clear goal that everyone can work towards there can be confusion and inefficiency.
Autonomy is essential in fostering creativity, ownership and ensures everyone is working towards the common goal. When employees understand what is expected of them and feel empowered to make decisions, they can take ownership of their work and be more productive.
A leader should provide guidance and support when needed, but trust that their team can make the right decisions.
Don’t micromanage
Micromanagement is a leadership style that involves closely overseeing the work of subordinates, often to the point of excessive control.
A micromanager can be a well-meaning individual who wants everything done to perfection, but this style of leadership can be detrimental to the team’s morale and productivity.
Micromanagers often create a culture of distrust and limit their team’s creativity and growth potential. Employees working under a micromanager feel constantly scrutinized, stifled, and often lose motivation, leading to high employee turnover rates.
Beware of the reluctant leader
On the other hand, absentee leadership is a leadership style that involves being disengaged from the team’s day-to-day activities, providing little to no guidance or support to the team.
Absentee leaders are often too busy to manage their team, disinterested in their team’s work, or simply lack the necessary leadership skills.
Absenteeism can lead to a lack of accountability and direction, which can result in the team’s disarray, missed deadlines, and failed projects.
The worst kind of leaders are a combination of a micromanaging and absentee leader. Kind of a reverse unicorn.
Working with clear goals and a talented team
In contrast, setting clear goals and working with talented people can be a recipe for success. When a leader clearly communicates the organization’s objectives and the team’s role in achieving them, it creates a sense of purpose and direction that motivates employees to work towards a common goal.
Working with talented people ensures that everyone on the team is skilled and capable of taking on tasks independently, reducing the need for micromanagement.
Be able to take big decisions
However, even when working with a talented team, there is still a need for a leader to take big strategic decisions. A leader must be able to see the big picture and make decisions that align with the organization’s goals.
A leader also needs to provide support and guidance to their team to ensure that they stay on track and that their work aligns with the organization’s overall strategy.
In conclusion, a leader plays a critical role in achieving an organization’s objectives.
While micromanagement and absenteeism can be detrimental to a team’s performance, setting clear goals and working with talented people can drive success.
A leader who can strike a balance between autonomy and direction is most likely to create a high-performing team that is motivated, productive, and successful.
Also read Well, well, well if it isn’t the consequences of my own inactions
