Our Responsibility When Our Leader Changes Direction
Following our leader during times of change
As we develop into leaders that others want to follow, we show our maturity by how we behave when we receive new direction.
Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels
Change affects us all; including our organizations.
We may not completely understand the reasons and rationale behind some changes. Our response will affect our teams for good or ill.
Individuals desiring to increase their leadership capacity practice followership by modeling behaviors they want to instill in their followers.
Below are some thoughts for us to consider as we receive new direction.
Trust the leader
People leading us are there for a reason. Most have been able to achieve something we haven't. This means we provide counsel and support their right and responsibility to make decisions affecting the group. Submitting to authority works best when we choose to trust they have the best interest of the team and organization in mind. With few exceptions that is the case.
Understand the time frame
Most direction change takes longer than a day to implement. Further, it might take some time to fully understand how to execute. Acting immediately could be a mistake. Some leaders may refine the directive based on the feedback they receive.
Offer leadership our best
Offer our best counsel on moving the team from here to there. We have a responsibility to our teams and our leaders to share our thoughts and provide options on how to get where they want to go. There may also be an opportunity to help reduce risks associated with the change.
Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course ~ John Maxwell
Moving the team
Even if we have the best relationship and trust of our team, moving them may not always be easy. We should approach the team openly, communicate the change, listen, and set the new course. The map to get to the new destination may require further development. Activate the team in ways that produce positive energy and find ways for them to influence the path to take.
Offer praise frequently
Celebrate team achievements along the way. Many of us forget to do this and it hurts team morale. Acknowledging what they are doing and have done is extremely important. Often, they feel less certain and benefit from our affirmation reminding them the team is on course and what they do matters.
Thank the leader
Along the way, it is important that we also affirm our leader. Few leaders have the courage to make tough decisions at the right times to move the organization to a better place. Many never do and leave the team and organization to suffer until a new leader comes and initiates the needed course correction. Showing appreciation for our leaders is a behavior our teams' need to see from us.
Conclusion
Change is certain. How we follow our leader during these times provides an opportunity for us to increase our influence. Strengthening our leaders is critical in our own development. As we grow we also show our peers and followers what it looks like to become a leader others want to follow.
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