It didn't start out this way. The fear hadn't set in...communication was open...and most believed the long wait for a strong leader was finally over. The energy and creative ideas seemed to be just what everyone had hoped for...
Starting Out
The common
"honeymoon period" for new leaders is one that the shrewd among us
seize upon, and for good reason. The window of opportunity for change is
usually the greatest during this transition time. The most latitude is afforded during the
honeymoon, new team members are willing to go along with fresh ideas, and in
turn give the new leader a chance to succeed.
"Perhaps the
honeymoon period is the only time most leaders have a chance to affect real
change because they struggle so mightily to inspire others once their true
leadership style emerges."
Inspiration Is
Mandatory
So how does one inspire others exactly? Is it through a series of ideas? Is it creating a
culture that energizes the team to take risks and think big? Is it demonstrating
a willingness to trust others and allow them to take ownership for the work that
gets done instead of micromanaging every detail?
The answer of course is yes!
Crashing and Burning
With so much written
about leadership behaviors, so many leadership development sessions being held, and a long
list of assessment tools available to us all, how is it that the promise of the
honeymoon could end up crashing down on the team?
Maybe the answer can
be found in the selection process? Perhaps we don't intervene early enough to
head off a disaster? Or maybe we just don't want to admit that a mistake has
been made so we tolerate behavior because that is "just how they
are?"
Perhaps we're not as strong at leading as we thought?
How About You
Who in your
organization has fallen from grace? Do you even realize the full impact? Unless
you invest the time to create a safe environment for those affected to open up
to you, the truth will remain an elusive target. How much of your culture will be destroyed while you take the typical "wait and see" approach; or, worse yet, wait for someone else to arrive and clean up your mess?
I'd love to hear from
you.
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