The Art of Swimming & The Key to Empowering Our Winning Teams!
Sriram Balasubramanian (Sriram Balu)
Head of Sales | Building "Viswa ONE" | Building "Prime ETF"
Ah, what a splendid morning!
The sun's warm embrace and the gentle breeze create a perfect symphony of delight. As I sit here, coffee in hand, gazing at the sparkling waters of the swimming pool, a sense of profound gratitude washes over me. How wonderful it is to be alive and savour life's simple joys!
But hold on; my attention is drawn to an enchanting scene. There's a little champion in the making, bravely venturing into the pool's shimmering expanse. A kid, filled with determination and excitement, taking their first steps towards conquering the art of swimming.
The coach, a guiding angel by the poolside, steals my heart even more. The coach stands tall with a watchful eye and a nurturing spirit, equipping the young adventurer with protective gear and buoyant flotation devices. Oh, how crucial it is to have someone caring and wise to guide us in our quests!
And so, the journey begins! The kid's eyes light up with determination as they set their sights on swimming from one milestone to another. Each stroke is a testament to courage and perseverance, and the coach beams with pride, a conductor of dreams unfolding.
Ah, but here comes the temptation!
The allure of the inviting water beckons to me, coaxing me to jump right in and join the aquatic festivities. But, no! Something within me whispers, urging me to grab hold of inspiration and let the creativity flow like the waters before me.
With a swift pivot, I choose to yield to the call of my muse. Writing, oh, writing is where my heart finds its rhythm! The words dance on the page, and the ideas take flight like playful dolphins frolicking in the sea of imagination. What a joy it is to express oneself through the power of words!
Yes, some may say I'm an odd one, more thrilled by the prospect of crafting a blog than diving into the cool embrace of the pool. But that's the beauty of it all – our passions are as diverse as the colours of a rainbow, and that's what makes life so incredibly wondrous!
And so, here I sit, content and filled with a sense of purpose. I watch the kid's progress with a heart full of admiration while my fingers dance across the keyboard, weaving tales and sharing thoughts. The tapestry of life connects different paths and joys.
Don't get me wrong, as I turn out to be so poetic - and now comes to the leadership angle.
What parallels can we draw between the kid, the coach, and leaders, their teams?
As a leader, drawing inspiration from the nurturing coach by the swimming pool is essential. True leader is not merely defined by their title or authority but by their ability to guide, support, and create a conducive environment for their team members to thrive and reach their full potential.
Just like the coach helps the kid enjoy swimming and learn excitedly, leaders should strive to foster a culture where team members feel valued, motivated, and engaged. It goes beyond imposing targets and pressures; it involves working alongside the team, showing them the way, and providing the necessary support throughout the journey.
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A great leader understands that leadership is not about commanding from a distance but about being hands-on and walking the path together. By actively participating with the team, a leader gains insight into the challenges and can offer the proper guidance and solutions.
Creating a supportive and nurturing environment is pivotal. Just as the coach ensures the kid has protective gear and flotation devices, a leader must equip the team with the necessary resources, tools, and training to excel. When team members feel supported and empowered, they become more confident, resilient, and inspired to achieve their goals.
Moreover, a leader should cultivate an atmosphere where team members feel comfortable seeking guidance and sharing ideas. Open communication fosters trust strengthens relationships, and encourages a culture of collaboration and innovation.
By mirroring the coach's approach, leaders can lead by example, demonstrating dedication, perseverance, and a passion for the team's success. This inspires team members to follow suit, resulting in a more motivated and cohesive unit.
Putting the right person in the role is crucial for the success of any organization. Similarly, the coach's approach in the swimming pool scenario highlights the importance of leadership style and its impact on the team's performance and well-being.
Learning swimming from a coach who shouts from outside the pool can create an intimidating and stressful environment for the kid. This approach may lead to fear, anxiety, and a lack of trust between the coach and the learner. In an organizational context, when leaders are distant and detached from their team members and only focus on imposing targets and pressure, it can have detrimental effects.
On the other hand, having a coach who cares and coaches from within the pool embodies a more supportive and empathetic leadership style. This approach fosters collaboration, trust, and understanding between the coach and the learner. The coach becomes a mentor and a guide, actively involved in the learning process and leading by example. Similarly, when leaders work closely with their teams, providing guidance, support, and being genuinely invested in their success creates a positive and motivating work environment.
Empowering individuals outside the team, akin to people who do not know to swim, who lack insight into the daily challenges and nuances of the job, to make decisions can lead to problems. Such decisions may be based solely on performance metrics without considering the broader context or individual circumstances. This approach may lead to burnout, demotivation, and decreased productivity in the long run, impacting the employee and the organization's overall performance.
Therefore, organizations must have leaders who understand the intricacies of the team's work and have a hands-on approach to coaching and supporting their members. Empowering leaders who can empathize, communicate effectively, and provide the right resources to the team ensures a healthier and more sustainable work environment.
By putting the right leaders in place and fostering a caring and supportive culture, organizations can nurture a thriving workforce that is motivated, engaged, and committed to achieving collective success. The result is a win-win situation where employees feel valued and fulfilled, improving productivity and overall organizational growth.
Let's embark on a journey to create an unwavering support system for our teams. By fostering a culture of empathy, growth, collaboration, and celebration, we can empower our teams to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve remarkable success.
Disclaimer: The idea, thought process and storyline are mine / I used chatGPT for crafting and refining my writing!
Founder at Viswa Lab
1 年Brilliant!