How To Be a Person, Not Just an Executive

I wrote an article for Strixus on the importance of being a compassionate leader. When someone sees or hears the letters “CEO”, they often associate them with someone that can’t be approached. This can lead to team members being fearful of asking questions or voicing their opinions within the company. But if we have a team that fears their leader, how can we possibly expect them to be functioning at their best? There is a way to balance being a leader and being seen as a person.??

Over my years serving as a company leader, I've figured out some ways to build camaraderie between leaders and their teams. Cultivating this type of relationship is a delicate dance but when done right, this can empower team members and have them show up in ways they wouldn’t while operating out of fear. Some suggestions I'll share here include:??

• Avoid pulling rank on people you work with. This is divisive and unnecessary. If you have authority, you don’t have to keep announcing it.??
• Don’t confuse rapport with friendship. Mutual respect and courtesy at work should not imply a deeper connection. If you don’t draw a clear line and uniform personal boundaries, there could be unnecessary tension or drama in the work environment. When other employees observe their peers having a tighter bond with the boss, it can spark resentment, competition, or jealousy within the team.??

Of course, it has taken some trial and error but implementing these strategies has created a strong bond among?the teams I've built. Team members feel comfortable speaking their minds and sharing honest feedback with other leaders and me. When we create space for honesty and transparency, we can get the best out of all parties involved.?

However, you must remember you are still the captain of the ship and need to make final decisions. The key is to allow team members to provide input and be included in decisions. When team members’ thoughts are considered, it allows for understanding and support of the final decision - even if it isn't the choice they would have made.??

Lastly, connecting is important. We are all human and desire to be seen and feel connected. When that experience is provided in a work environment, amazing things happen. Teams that work collaboratively can provide their best solutions and ideas. That energy will also show up in how they present to clients, allowing us to provide the best service and product possible.

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