Leadership is a privilege!

With the evolution of technology and convergence of digital and industrial world, business is redefined. Today, information is readily available and has immense power, as a single social media post can impact stock prices and influence millions of investors. Our consumers and employees are far more educated and conscious. The world presents us with a paradox: while progress is being made in many areas, regression is also evident. The future remains uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. In such a world, authentic leadership becomes indispensable for leading teams and inspiring them to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Giving approvals is a responsibility.

Last week, a colleague called me and asked if her request to get access to certain information was a justified one? She was worried that she may not have given enough thought before submitting the request. When I asked her, why was she so hassled? She responded, “You have not approved it for a week. I was not sure if you needed more background or if the request was not appropriate”. While she kept waiting and wondered if the request was appropriate, the fact was that I had missed going through her approval email.

Organizations follow SOAs (statement of authority) which define approval matrix. Delays in the approval process can impede progress and cause individuals to question the validity of their requests. Waiting for approval leaves people unable to move forward, fosters self-doubt, and hinders their understanding of the next steps. As leaders, it is not just a task but a responsibility to provide approvals promptly. Even if we disagree with certain requests, we owe our teams a response. In a hyperactive and competitive environment, swift responses are essential for staying ahead.

Managing performance is a commitment.

Providing feedback and engaging in performance discussions require supporting data, holistic perspectives gained through multiple observations, and genuine intentions to facilitate improved performance outcomes. Each feedback opportunity also provides a chance for self-reflection, prompting us to question whether we have eliminated our personal biases.

Being open to differing views

Being open to differing views is crucial for effective leadership. Our beliefs and past experiences shape our perspective, often leading us to dismiss ideas and possibilities that did not work for us in the past. However, this filtering process can be both strong and dangerous. It is easy to request ideas, but difficult to let go of our own filters and biases. Many of the problems we face today are novel, and individuals have unique ways of approaching challenges. Embracing their distinct leadership styles and energies can unlock innovative solutions that were inaccessible to us. Letting people explore and learn from their own journeys, while providing a clear direction and vision for the future, is essential. Leaders should refrain from micromanaging every step and turn, instead being present to support during the journey and reflect with their teams once they have achieved their goals.

Empathy for failures is the debt we need to pay.

Leaders are not fundamentally different from those they lead, as their capabilities and strength of mind are built through self-reflection, unique experiences, guidance, and support. Someone once took a chance on a rookie, enabling them to grow into a position of authority. Learning comes from a combination of successes and failures, and accomplished leaders often credit their most significant insights to their failures. Failures are tough and can have a profound impact, especially if someone else's failure affects our outcomes. However, these moments also provide an opportunity to filter out the noise, reflect, and grow. As leaders, we should grant our teams these moments and repay the debt by supporting their learning and growth.