Last weekend I went on a short hike with my family and the entire way to our destination, my son was out in front of the pack. There were lots of twists and turns and rocky paths to navigate and of course, being the overprotective mother that I am, I wanted to see him and help him should he start to fall.
At one point I yelled to him: “I can’t see you! What are you doing?”
He yelled back my way: “I’m leading!”
My response: “You’re not leading if nobody can see you!”
Huh. Where have I seen that before?
- How many CEOs and Senior Executives are well known only to other Senior Executives? Too many.
- What percentage of people in large organizations would recognize the CEO walking down the hall? Too small.
- Have you worked for senior leaders that are constantly fighting fires, swoop into meetings, share their thoughts and run to the next (more important) meeting on their agenda? Sadly, for most of us, the answer is yes.
Leaders that are visible, engaged, accessible, and collaborative call forth the same behaviors from their teams. Leaders that constantly disappear behind closed doors for “top secret” meetings, leave the team to navigate the rocks and the path on their own. It’s no wonder, when these invisible leaders finally turn around, they find damaged customer relationships and team members that are more concerned about their own survival than the success of the team.
On the way back, my son took to heart my previous pleas to slow down and remember we’re a team, and he surprised me when he tried a new style of leadership.
My son said: “OK. There are four of us so there are four leaders. It’s time for #1 to go to the back and for #3 to step to the front to lead.”
… And we all took turns leading and following for the 2 kilometers home. I think he’s starting to understand what this leadership thing is all about.
As for me, I smashed my head because I was so focused on looking ahead, I didn’t see what was right next to me – a huge jutting tree branch.
Talk about a bump on the noggin to teach me a lesson! I was so focused on where we were going, and watching everyone like a hawk to ensure that there were no missteps, I missed seeing the full landscape of where we were in the moment. Not only do leaders need to be visible, but they also need to be present. It’s impossible to be present when you’re only focused on being out in front while simultaneously micromanaging everyone with you on the journey. It took a knock on the head for me to realize that I needed to trust the knowledge, skills and abilities of the people on my team to get through even the roughest terrain.
How have you changed your leadership style over time? What did you learn that encouraged you to change?
Hi Alli – excellent post on being visible and founded on such a great personal experience! I have always practised ‘managing by walking around’; meeting and getting to know staff and users; sharing stories and feedback; getting a ‘feel’ of how various staff and delivery points are working; and how well our users are responding to them. It has always seemed common sense to me … and, I agree, more strategic and senior people need to find time to do better!
Thanks for sharing and have a brilliant weekend! Kind regardfs John
Thanks for your comment, John! You are clearly a great example of engaged leadership. I love how you describe “Management by walking around.” Swapping stories & feedback is so important to building connection and true relationships. Inspired!
Alli, Your son is so fortunate to have such a great teacher/leader. It will be interesting to see the leader develop in him!
Dan – Both of my children make me so proud. While my son was out front “leading” my daughter was always sure to check in with everyone, make sure that we were all OK and call to the leader to stop when any one of us was lagging behind. It’s incredible to see they leaders that they are becoming as they emerge as who they are – both committed and caring and leaders in their own ways. Love the journey 🙂
Thanks for your comment – and your additional insights and descriptions of your own children, and how they emerged as leaders in their lives and work too, in the Lead with Giants G+ community
Great, thought provoking post. You’re so right — leaders need to be visible and connected to their team.
Loved your questions. As for me, I’ve changed my leadership style over time based on my experiences in sales and marketing. I’ve learned that motivating people through their values (not mine) is key. For example, if someone is risk-averse — I might stress that we’re safer when we all stick together on a hike. If someone likes the feeling of being in charge — I might say “you’re the leader and we’ll follow as long as we can see you”, etc.
Right on! Great examples of meeting people where they are! One of the hardest things for leaders to learn is to FLEX! We tend to think that people want just what we want… to be in front, or to have space, or to take risks… but it’s really about figuring out what they need (and value).
Thanks so much for this insightful comment!
In addition to the great leadership reminders: be accesible, be visible; look ahead and at what’s in front you; and teamwork rules! , I so enjoyed the incredible family connection that was expressed in this post. Thanks for sharing your heart, Alli!
I do love my guys… and I learn from them every day too. Totally agree with you: Teamwork rules!
Thanks, Blair!
Isn’t it amazing how much we learn from our children? This is another great post Alli! Leadership is all about taking turns and letting everyone have a try. Your son figured that out quickly! Stepping out of a leader’s office or comfort zone sends a caring message to their team members and makes them feel like they matter. When leaders do take the time to connect more deeply with their teams powerful and trusting relationships emerge. Thanks again!
Terri – you’re so right – leaders that step out of their office and reach out to connect send the message: you matter – a true cornerstone of employee engagement. ALWAYS appreciate your insights, connection and leadership presence!
Outstanding post, Alli.
I’ve worked with leaders who need to remember to see their team as well. 🙂
Thanks, Kneale! Me too! Look forward to that day we’re in the minority and it’s not a common experience.
Alli, A great tie-in to personal experiences and leadership thoughts. In those moments of thoughts and making those connections are moments of leadership change. Our mind is learning, which is a great leadership characteristic. If we are learning, we are growing. All essential and then we need to show the change through our visible actions. Great stuff! Jon
You’re right – change happens in the experience… not just the reading or hearing about a new way of being. Many thanks for your insight on learning – so important. Thanks, Jon!
This is a great piece, Alli, not only about being seen as a leader literally but also being mindful of adopting too much of a tunnel vision toward what’s ahead. This applies to leading people and leading life. I can’t help but think of “being seen” in the metaphoric sense as well. That is, to lead effectively, we need to be willing to be transparent and authentic, so that we can foster trust. What do you think?
Alice – I love the addition of “being seen.” So often, in life (and as leaders), we’re physically present but so guarded there is no possibility of depth to our connection with others. The best leaders I’ve ever worked with showed me who they were, not just what they thought we needed to do to move the work forward. Greatly appreciate this addition. Thanks, Alice!
Loved the way you have articulated about leadership. Leadership is not about titles, position, status or sitting in cabins. Leaders should engage, communicate, connect, and be accessible and approachable. Most important they need to be human.
Loved this post Alli.
Yes! Accessible and approachable but most of all, human. I strongly agree with you Lalita! Greatly appreciate your comment. Your insight is so important for leaders to remember… in the end, we’re all human.
What a beautiful image of a circle of learning. Your son learned from you and you learned from him. A dynamic that we should strive for in all areas of life: professional and personal. We’re never too young or too old to teach or to learn. Thanks Alli. I loved this piece.
Gilly! You comment went into spam for some reason! So appreciative of your reading and reflection. I strongly agree with you – we’re never too old or to young to teach or learn. I learn from my children all the time. Although, I think my kids are learning to tune me out! Ha! With each age and stage there is always more to learn, embrace and enjoy.
Appreciate you!