The fall is here, and it is so wonderful to have crisp air, orange and yellow leaves, and a sense of change coming. Fall is one of my favorite times of year. Mainly because the humidity dies, ha, but mostly because there is a chance to slow down, reflect, and prepare for the rest of winter. Now, I am not a big fan of winter (driving a roller skate of a car in snow is not a challenge I consider worthy 😉). However, last year, I came across a passage that has made me rethink my position on winter. This is a paraphrase of it, but it goes a little something like this. “I like the snow and winter. It covers everything like a blanket, allows rest, and when it melts, there is a newness and beauty ready to rise again.” That passage has stuck with me hard. This year, even more so. I’m ready for that blanket and a chance to reset for spring...to rise and be more beautiful, to be refreshed again. “Marya, what in the hell does this have to do with leadership?” A lot, actually. Walk with me.
I am working with a new client. Their leadership team is taking the time to step back, refresh, and grow their skills as leaders. Y’all, this is a dream team. Engaged, interactive, willing to learn and share, and most of all super fun. Like so many other organizations, the last few years have set forth a path that is full of uncertainty – and opportunity. They have endured some pretty huge changes as an organization. They are also faced with the same workforce shortages that many are experiencing. Yet, they are making this time with me a priority, even enjoying the learning. To say I am pleased is an understatement. 😊
We talk a lot about the uncertainties, concerns, and issues that are taking place. We talked this week about how HUGE their role as a leader is: they are relationship builders, visioners, strategic planners, organizers, controllers, communicators, negotiators, monitors, resource allocators, entrepreneurs, motivators, and of course the fun part of leading people – conflict handlers. Ok, that last one isn’t always so fun, but it doesn’t always have to be a horrible part of the job either. Being a leader is unrelenting especially when there is constant change and a boat load of uncertainty. The responsibility is huge and can be very overwhelming because your team is looking to you for three things to help guide them through this constant change and uncertainty. Those three things are:
Direction
Your team needs to know “the what.” My definition of “the what” is the landing location after they get through change and uncertainty. We as leaders need to create the picture – or vision – of where we are headed – where are they landing. They know how they got to “this space” but what they need from you is the vision – the what. The picture doesn’t have to be perfect, and it may change as you move in that direction, but your team needs to “see” where they are going to land. Add storyteller to the role you play as a leader because that is what you need to do – tell the story of where we are headed and hope to land.
Guidance
Next, as their leader, they need you to guide them with the how. What steps are needed to get to the what – the vision – the picture? Your team will have input into this process, but you need to start the first step in the direction of the picture you painted in the story.
Confidence
Finally, your team is looking to you for confidence. This is not about positivity, especially toxic positivity. This is about optimism, being hopeful. As you lead your team through change and uncertainty, your team will be looking at how you behave. Modeling confident behaviors – INCLUDING self-care and emotional intelligence – is crucial. Your team are not robots, and neither are you. It is ok to feel and be scared and vulnerable. Show that you care about their concerns and be willing to share your own. THEN, remember hope. Change and uncertainty bring fear and sometimes chaos, but you know what else they bring? A whole lot of opportunity.
The leaders I’m working with at this new client site are really stepping back and taking these three steps in. We are working on new techniques and skills to help them provide that direction, guidance, and confidence their team needs to be successful in getting to the landing spot…and keep going. Like fall, they are preparing to refresh, get more beautiful, and reset for spring – for even more success.
As we approach this fall, I want to encourage all leaders to think about where in their many roles they could use a refresh. Your job is hard. It holds incredible and difficult responsibility. You are human too, and maybe scared and feeling vulnerable like your team. Tap into your confidence and optimism. Remind yourself there is so much opportunity through the haze of change and uncertainty. Blanket yourself this winter and refresh yourself so that you can lead your team to the best landing spot you can. I promise you, that is where the reward of leadership will lie.
Let me know how I can help you refresh, rise, and be more beautiful than ever!
A note of care: leaders, I know your job is hard. I know you are under some serious challenges and pressures. That is what we take on when we choose the responsibility of leadership. However, it doesn’t mean you minimize your needs. Reach out. Find your mentors. Hire a coach. Create a space for you to process your fear and worry. You are a human being in a role that has tremendous responsibility. Leadership is unrelenting for sure and rewarding at its best. Take care of yourself and let me know how I can help.