As a consultant working with small to medium size businesses I see leaders violating the number one principle of leadership every day. What is the number one principle of leadership you ask? It is to know yourself and seek improvement.
When meeting with the leaders of these businesses I ask what is your leadership style and would you say it is effective. The answer is often “I really don’t have a style but I think I am effective because we are making money”. When I ask the same question of the people who work for them, they know what type of leadership style the boss has, and they can often immediately tell me if it is effective or not. I often hear words/terms like micro-manager, over involved, can’t make a real decision, lack of support, never around or they are a great coach/ teacher, a joy to work for, they leave you alone and let you get the work done. I submit to you if you are a leader who can’t answer the question then you probably don’t know what your team is saying about you either.
There has been a lot written about leadership styles and how they affect an organization. Many people may recall the great book on situational leadership written by Ken Blanchard. My favorite “The Leader’s Window” by John Beck and Neil Yeager was introduced to me by my coach, mentor and friend Barry Carden. Like Blanchard they talk about leadership levels. I refer to them as The Controller, The Fixer, The Coach, and The Entruster, let’s explore each.
The Controller:
If you have this leadership style you tend to like to make decisions on your own with little input from your people. You like to give detail instructions and follow up with very close supervision. This style works very well when your people are new in the role, however as they grow, they begin to view you as a micro- manager.
The Fixer:
If you have this leadership style you tend to like to get as much input as you can before making a decision. You like helping others make tough decisions. This style works very well when it is important to bring a group together to get closure, however your team may feel like you get in the way or that you offer them little or no support when you don’t go along with them.
The Coach:
If you have this leadership style you tend to like to ask questions and have your team members to explain the problem and their ideas for solving them. This style works well when you are trying to develop your team, however your team may feel like you can’t make a decision.
The Entruster :
If you have this leadership style you tend to like to let your team take full ownership for their area of responsibility. This style works well when you have a very experienced team, however your team may feel like when they need you, you are not around.
What is your leadership style? Knowing your preferred leadership style and when to flex into a different style is imperative if you want to be an effective leader. Remember, Leadership is defined as influencing people by providing purpose, direction and motivation while operating to accomplish the core focus and improving the organization.
Hannibal Consulting would welcome the opportunity to discuss your leadership style with you. Please go to hannibalconsulting.com and schedule an appointment to discuss how we might be of assistance.
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