Today’s work environment is perhaps one of the most challenging we’ve experienced as leaders. Change is rampant, charges of unfair treatment are abundant, and an umbrella of uncertainty about our jobs, our companies, and the ever-rising cost of living directly impacts our people. Leading in this complicated matrix takes more than being able to make tough decisions. Here are three “must haves” for today’s successful leader.
Know what you’re solving for
Too often we see leaders react rather than respond. A team member complains about something, and we jump straight to action. Years ago, an executive asked me to facilitate a few significant off cycle pay increases for 2 team members. When I asked him, “what are you solving for?” he said he was afraid they were going to resign. They had complained to him that they didn’t get a voice in choosing their workstations after the office remodel.
To be fair, this reaction isn’t unusual. It’s called “tossing dollars” and it happens when a leader tries to address a problem with money rather than fixing the actual problem. It doesn’t work. When we know what we’re solving for, we can make decisions that get to the root of the issue. When we don’t, we risk charges of unfairness, blows to morale, and hits to the bottom line.
Respond with inquiry
One of the hardest leadership behaviors to adopt is to ask good questions instead of providing answers. Imagine a team member has a performance challenge. You know the “right” path forward and are probably inclined to tell them what to do. But this approach fails to leverage an opportunity to engage the person in their own development and solution-finding. Instead of directing them to do it your way, ask them what led them to do what they did. Ask what they could have done differently to get a different result. Engage them in assessing various options to get them there. This coaching approach helps people to become more agile, more strategic, and more prepared to solve problems on their own.
Model the way
Perhaps the most important element of leadership in good times and bad is the ability to model the behavior you expect of others. When stress levels elevate, the organization’s values may be put to the test. This is the time to rest on those values; demonstrating that people are indeed your most valued asset, that your customers or clients deserve the very best, and that decisions are made with the highest ethical standards.
Strong leaders face day-to-day challenges with curiosity and determination. They demonstrate transparency, respect, and an unwavering focus on fostering others’ success. They don’t hesitate to reach out to others to ask for help and expertise.
Let this be a time when we not only step up to face new challenges, but step forward to welcome fresh ideas, try new approaches, and invest in the people who will drive our mission into the future.
