From Chief to Chef: Stirring Up Inclusive Leadership

Sitting down to complete a 360 review for a first-time committee chair, I felt the weight of responsibility. These reviews are crucial, not just for feedback but for fostering growth and reflection for this leader, early in her career. As I compiled my considered responses, one particular strength that I highlighted in her feedback struck a chord with me. It was her inclusiveness, self-confidence and humility in regularly seeking input from all team members, and not just the seasoned 'OGs' (original gangsters) like myself.

Inclusive Leadership in Action

This chairperson had evidently learned early in her leadership journey the immense value of collective wisdom. She understood that to truly lead is to listen - to everyone. This practice isn't just about being democratic, it's about being smart and strategic, and definitely lead to strong buy-in for the entire committee as a team. It's about recognising that great ideas can come from anywhere and anyone, and that everyone, irrespective of their tenure or title, holds wisdom, and may hold the one game changing perspective, question, or piece of the puzzle.

Reflecting on My Early Leadership Lessons

Her approach brought me back to my early days in a management role, filled with enthusiasm and a clear goal to make an impact. I managed diligently, focusing on planning, organising, directing, controlling, and checking details. Manager 101. My team performed well, meeting all our targets. However, during my first half-yearly performance evaluation, my manager (and still a lifelong mentor) acknowledged our successes, then paused, and challenged me with a question that reshaped my understanding of leadership: "Carolyn, are you managing or are you leading your team?"

I realised then that I had been managing with the best intentions but in the process, I was holding all the 'power' and not 'empowering' my team. As a first time manager, I had placed pressure on myself to think I needed to have all the answers. I was, unintentionally, diminishing my team's capabilities rather than leveraging them.

From Chief to Chef

That feedback was a turning point for me. I learned to shift from being the 'chief', where the focus was on 'I', to being the 'chef,' a leader who blends the collective wisdom of the team.

The world needs more Multipliers, especially now as leaders are required to do more with less. - Liz Wiseman

Reflecting on the impactful work of thought leader Liz Wiseman: Multipliers vs. Dimishers , this meant taking off the 'genius' hat and putting on the 'genius maker' hat, fostering an environment where everyone could contribute to their fullest potential.

How to Check Yourself as a Leader

For those stepping into leadership roles, consider these reflective questions:

• Are you telling more than you are asking? Leadership is as much about listening and learning as it is about directing.
• Are you asking questions, that you already know the answer to? Or are you asking higher quality questions that will invite collective wisdom and exploration.
• Do you see yourself as the sole problem solver, or are you empowering others to solve problems? True leadership means building more leaders, not followers.

Elevate Your Leadership

If this resonates with you, take a moment to reflect: Are you truly leading, or just managing? Are you empowering your team to bring their whole selves and best ideas to the table? Let’s strive to be leaders who not only achieve goals but also inspire growth and foster an empowering environment.

Ready to spice up your leadership recipe? Let’s cook up some greatness together with your team! Yes, chef.

#ElevateYourLeadership #InclusiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamEmpowerment #FromChiefToChef