If you aspire to lead teams of people as a boss or as a cross-functional team leader, you have got to communicate well, so well that you set the example for your team…no matter what happens.
Some times, this is very hard to do. Which of these examples have happened to you recently?
- Someone is having problems accomplishing a task, and you learn about it three days after you needed to know.
- Someone you are counting on to lead fails to communicate the status of ongoing problems to you.
- A team that you don’t lead is notoriously bad at communicating updates that affect you.
Each of these can be frustrating. An inexperienced leader will:
- feel frustrated and let that frustration show. This is a self-defeating behavior – when you act this way, the message you’re sending is it’s best to avoid being the bearer of bad news.
- complain to a colleague. This can feel good, but you’re just avoiding the problem.
- complain to the boss. Don’t bring problems to the boss…bring solutions. Get the next job by excelling at the job you have.
The best thing you can do is to look into the mirror.
Lead your team and your colleagues by example. Show them what open and honest communication is like. Ask them to be open and honest with you. Show them that there are no consequences for delivering bad news. Admit to your own mistakes and talk about how you’re going to do better – then follow through.
It’s far easier for us to blame others than it is to hold the mirror up to ourselves. So if you want to create change in the world around you, start by changing yourself. The people who follow you will be inspired to change themselves too. This may take time – and this is where the patience comes in.
The more self-aware you become, the more you understand where others are on the same journey. This isn’t bad or good – it just is. Some will be receptive to your attitude immediately, and others will take more time to break away from the fear of change.
I find my patience by remembering that there were times when I was just as fearful. I needed some help and guidance… I still do!
As you encounter issues involving open communication with your team, set the example of good communications, look in the mirror for reasons why your team has difficulty, and have patience as your realize that the people you lead are all on their own path of self-discovery.
How do you act when your team has communications problems? Any good advice for aspiring leaders? Be sure to leave a comment!
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Whenever I’m in a position of leadership (parent, teacher, camp counselor, LFFL commissioner) I _always_ separate myself from the tough situations. I separate my professional self, from my emotions and personal issues to deal with the problem. This keeps me level headed. If I get emotional, I’m pretty much worthless.
I sometimes envy those that do get emotional when dealing with a student effectively. But whenever I try to “lower the boom”, the results usually are unsatisfactory.
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