It’s no secret that progressive leaders are in high demand. With society rapidly evolving, more and more businesses are seeking out those who can help them stay ahead of the curve. However, what is often misunderstood is what it means to be a progressive leader. Many people think that leadership equals taking charge and being in control at all times. But this isn’t true.
Lets break that down a little more…
Leadership is the action of leading a group of people or an organisation.
Progressive leadership is a forward thinking style of traditional leadership. It is defined as a way of thinking and acting that is forward-thinking, open-minded, and people-centered. It is a type of leadership that is based on the belief that people are the most important asset in any organisation.
A progressive leader is someone who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. Rather than looking to solutions of the past, they are always looking for new and innovative ways to solve problems. They understand that the world is constantly changing and that in order to stay ahead of the curve, you need to be open to change as well.
Today we are going to focus on a particular trait of progressive leaders and that is sharing the lead rather than taking the lead.
What is sharing the lead?
Sharing the lead is the act of dividing up leadership responsibilities amongst team members and when done correctly, it allows each individual to use their strengths to get the job done. This type of progressive leadership encourages teamwork and collaboration instead of dictating orders.
A recent study published in the Harvard Business Review found that when leaders share the responsibility for making decisions with their team members, it leads to a more passionate, inspired, and effective team. The study also found that when team members are given leadership responsibilities, it leads to better performance and creativity within the team.
The benefits of sharing leadership responsibilities from the top down in the workplace are significant and include:
Increased Engagement
When team members are given a sense of ownership and responsibility, they are more likely to be engaged and invested in their work. They will be more likely to take pride in their work and be more motivated to do their best.
Increased Creativity & Innovation
When team members are given the opportunity to share in the leadership role, they will be more likely to come up with new ideas and solutions. This can lead to increased creativity and innovation within the organisation.
Improved Communication
Sharing the leadership role helps to improve communication within the team. When everyone has a voice, they are more likely to feel heard and respected. This can help to build strong relationships and promote teamwork.
Greater Motivation & Commitment
When team members feel like they are an important part of the team, they will be more motivated and committed to doing their best. They will feel like they are contributing to something larger than themselves and this will give them a sense of purpose.
So as a leader how can you take a shared approach to leadership? Here are our top tips to get your started:
Create an environment for opportunity
Setting the scene is vital for breaking down hierarchy barriers and giving team members the freedom to take ownership of different levels of responsibility. Show that everyone has something to contribute by empowering them with choices, whether it’s leading a project or making decisions. Let your progressive leadership shine and show that teamwork can be more than just following orders – open up opportunities for new ideas and collaboration. Who knows, you might be surprised what your team can come up with when they are given the chance to share the leadership!
Define Roles and Responsibilities
While this is a leadership role in itself; sharing the lead requires a strong framework in place to ensure that everyone understands their individual role and how it contributes to the overall success of the team.
This can be done through job descriptions, regular team meetings, and setting realistic KPI’s that your team understand and agree to. Careful planning, two way communication and consistent feedback will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working together towards a common goal.
Foster upskilling
Sharing the lead means giving responsibilities that team members feel capable to achieve. This means giving employees the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. Start by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member to break down barriers for development. This could include using assessment tools, coaching or team building workshops. Upskilling is more than just qualifications it also includes the power of human skills training such as communication, problem-solving and listening to help members understand how they can work together better. Fostering learning and development helps employees grow within their roles and reach new levels while giving them confidence in their abilities. By prioritizing upskilling in the workplace, leaders are ultimately investing in their team’s success.
Practice two way communication
An open communication policy in the workplace is an essential component of sharing leadership. It’s about creating an atmosphere which encourages two way communication between all levels of employees.
This can be achieved through recognizing and rewarding good work, tracking measurable goals, creating an open door policy for staff to share feedback openly and providing regular opportunities for team-based dialogues. Not only does this create an environment where everyone feels appreciated and heard, it also fosters collaboration, creativity and encourages progressive thinking.
Establish Trust
Progressive leaders know that trust is not something to be taken lightly. It must be cultivated, and the best way to do this is by creating an environment that supports it.
Lets start with psychological safety; this is a climate in which people feel comfortable taking risks and voicing their ideas, regardless of their position or seniority within the organization. It’s characterized by a sense of confidence that one will not be reprimanded for speaking up, and it enables people to do their best work. In simple, this about creating an open and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Secondly there must be an opportunity to bond. Team bonding is all about creating relationships within a team. It’s about developing connection and rapport. Before a team can ‘build’ trust they first must ‘bond’. Team bonding does not need to be complicated to be powerful; why not add some levity to your weekly staff meeting by starting off with a joke, funny story or asking your team to share something that made them happy in the last week. For something more structured why not try a fun team building program.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to try sharing the leadership responsibilities in your workplace? It can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and tips, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both you and your team. We would love to hear about your experiences! What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced when trying to share the lead? How did you overcome them? Let us know in the comments below.
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