by Jonathan Jones
They say it’s lonely at the top, and any honest leader will agree. Leaders have people around them, yet during tough times, a true leader usually has to face the most difficult—and unpopular—decisions alone.
No leader enjoys instituting changes that negatively impact people’s lives. Yet sometimes firing an employee or changing an office policy or business strategy everyone is comfortable with, is necessary to protect the company’s culture. That such decisions must occasionally be made in private in order to achieve maximum effectiveness can lead to suspicion among the ranks. Employees, unaware of the leader’s broader perspective, are very likely to question the leader’s motives.
So how does a leader avoid a sense of isolation?
First, be clear with yourself. As a leader, you must fully understand the values by which you live personally, and by which you make decisions for your organization. This consistency in values defines your leadership. A strong decision may put the leaders out ahead of their team with an initial sense that no nobody is following. However, with persistence, consistency, and confidence, followers will in time catch up with leaders they trust.
Second, engage the people around you. Your job as a leader is to develop people on your team, so take steps to create an environment that encourages them to participate in finding solutions and making decisions.
Third, join a peer group. Professional executive peer groups such as Vistage provide a trusting environment where in a group of non-competing company business owners and executives can share insights and lessons learned in going through similar situations. Sharing experiences with others facing the same issues can also help you with the other two suggestions.
Great leadership is enhanced by collaborating with people you trust.
Jonathan Jones (Jonathan.jones@vistagechair.com or 314-608-0783) is a CEO peer group chair/coach for Vistage International.