4 Types of People in Your Team

Great leaders have qualities that attract people to them. However, the effectiveness of leadership depends not only on the abilities of the leader but also on the kind of people that surround him or her. 

The 4-Musketeers

Leaders have to typically deal with four types of people. The first type is the sycophant or the ‘yes man’, who only flatters and agrees with the leader all the time. These people are not always truthful. They say only what they think the leader would like to hear and what suits their agendas. Surrounding oneself with such feel-good people has its perils. It is important to safeguard oneself from giving such people an unhealthy degree of power and influence.

The second type is those who continuously question the actions and intentions of their leader. If the leader is caught up in defending himself or pleasing all kinds of people, he will not be able to function effectively.

The third type acts submissive and listens to their leader with an eye on extracting favors at a later stage. Such people could use emotional blackmail and make the leader feel obligated and trapped. It is important for a leader to be able to stay detached, think clearly and steer clear from emotional manipulations.

The fourth type comprises those who are afraid to voice their ideas and opinions. They lack the openness and the courage to point out genuine issues and give feedback when required. This means that the leader will become aware of a problem only when it has escalated into a crisis.

The Open Sesame Advantage

An effective leader needs a team, which not only stands by him and acts as a solid support system, but also has the openness to communicate and give feedback on critical issues.

This leadership dilemma pervades all spheres of personal and professional lives. While it is not necessary to give explanations to everyone for every action, a leader must not become deaf and blind to the reality around him.

Often, powerful leaders tend to shut out the opinions of others or lead through fear. They may come across as ruthless, arrogant people carried away by their own ego and short-sightedness. They end up wasting time battling emergencies which could have been averted if they had given space to their team to express ideas and opinions.

No Please-All Magic

On the other hand, leaders who are too sensitive and prone to explaining their actions and decisions end up being perceived as weak and are unable to do justice to the responsibilities entrusted to them. If a leader tries too hard to please everyone, he is likely to lose his independence and ability to take the right decision. The groups a leader represents are not homogeneous and one cannot satisfy everybody. Being oversensitive with an undue focus on making people happy, pleasing them, or fulfilling all their wishes is not practical since often people have short-sighted needs.

The independence to take decisions on the basis of what they feel is right is very crucial for anyone to reach their true leadership potential.

Invest in The Balance

A great leader walks the middle path. He is decisive and firm and doesn't worry too much about justifying to people around him. At the same time, he is in touch with the prevailing reality, listens to his team and remains flexible enough to change his opinion and decisions. They are aware of the needs of their followers and attend to them without getting worn out with it.

This balance can come only when one is free of stress and has a centered and equanimous mind. Yoga, meditation and spiritual wisdom ensures this and is a lifejacket for a leader.

As much as leaders shape followers, followers too shape leadership outcomes. A leader and his team must invest some time every day improving the quality of their minds. This ensures a fair, stress-free environment where people thrive and goals are met creatively and efficiently.