It’s a persistent leadership dilemma which is observed in even most of even seasoned leaders that they feel threatened by level 2 leadership and fail to nurture the right candidate for future leadership. They feel given the tools and techniques the level 2 can surpass them and eventually replace them. Often this creates a plethora of problems of leaders and the Organization both. The leader for example will always be over worked and try and take up all the things on their heads and shall be stressed over period of time. On the other hand good resources will leave the Organization due to lack of opportunities to learn and grow.
I don’t have time to teach: Often perfectionist leaders feel comfortable to do things by themselves rather delegate. They feel the quality of the work will suffer in case they let the novices do it. Therefore they are compelled by their nature to take up the important tasks by themselves. Naturally it will reduce their time and increase stress. Easy burn outs and work life imbalance sets in gradually and reduces the performance at deeper level.
Delegation is an art not mastered by all: There are 2 kinds of delegators, one who shall happily delegate whatever comes their way and others who feel threatened by the very thought of someone else doing the job and anxiety of failure sets in. In either of extremes the right nurturing never takes place and work suffers.
What if: A coach mindset is not an easy feat to attain. One has to let go “what if” coachee becomes better than the coach over a period of time. Should I teach all the tricks of trade. What if coachee threatens my positioning in Organization. This all can be replaced by top management in a positive way. Once the leadership is in a secure place and assured they shall be more willing to let go this what if attitude.
Nurture not teach: Most of leaders tend to overlook nurturing. It’s like let a plant grow by it’s own and one has to provide the necessary amenities like sun, water and good ventilation. Leadership needs to provide natural manure( not to be understood as BullS_ _ _ _ J )and let the plant be. Over indulgence in day to day activities shuns the growth potential. Leaders don’t need to intervene always rather they need to indicate and point out the potential issues which might arise as per their experience. This brings the sense of ownership and responsibility towards the task.
Checks and Balances: Delegation is not about washing hands from responsibilities. It’s about extending our own faculties and keeping a tab on it. Regular review, collaboration and consultation without unnecessary interference is what it takes to nurture.
Creating an open door environment: Unless a leader is able to create open door environment where everyone is able to contribute without fear or being ashamed or reprimanded, team shall not bring forth the necessary initiative and consultative approach. A true collaborative environment can only be created via open doors.
Keep yourself updated: Leaders worth is also about what new they have incorporated in their own kitty. Keeping oneself abreast with latest, preparing yourself for the next big thing will always pave the way for more. Instead of stopping the growth of level 2 rather we need to move up the ladder to create space for our level 2.
Unless we create a smooth transition for ourselves we shall not be able to move up. There should not be an organizational vacuum which needs to be filled with outside resources. Invariably it will hinder the growth of leader. As a leader the most important task we can take up is creating more leaders. Spread the wings and let others take the flight along with us.
Leadership Insights 