Show Them, Don't Just Tell Them: Why Actions Matter in Leadership

In my growth as a leader, I must admit that leading a team of people who seem disinterested or aloof in organizational matters can be quite destabilising. A root cause analysis doesn't make things better as, more often than not, most leaders quickly conclude that they must be the problem or that the organizational culture in itself is incorrigible.

When leading a team of 30 sometime back, I realised that the moment I genuinely got interested in the specific areas of growth for each of my team members and gave them opportunities to grow in the same, that was the game changer!

Here's what I did:

1. I asked each individual to identify three areas of career development and to write at least one stumbling block to the realisation of those goals.Most of them cited a lack of opportunities or exposure as the main reason. So, I decided to do something about this.
2. I reshuffled the departments gradually and tried placing every individual in an area that would foster their desired skills. I was also on the lookout for specific opportunities and training sessions that they would benefit from.
3. I equally challenged them to identify at least one thing they could improve in that area and gave them the opportunity to spearhead that change, which we were to review in a month.

Here is, interestingly, what happened in that one month:

• There were actually no shift swap requests!
• The team became vibrant.
• During the weekly departmental meetings, my team started giving suggestions/solutions.
• Interdepartmental collaborations. That saw us come up with the "Staff of the Month" award.
• Collaborative team engagements and a sense of togetherness.

Sometimes, the best way to “lead by example” is to show your team that the organization could benefit from their expertise and experience too.

When you entrust your team members with responsibility and believe that they are creative and capable enough to deliver on the objectives, when you invite them to play a role in decision-making, they will feel valued and be more willing to extend the same courtesy to you and their other coworkers.

Leaders who are receptive to the ideas of others also encourage them to share fresh ideas that they might otherwise keep to themselves. Sometimes, all you have to do is truly listen — and learn.

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care". Theodore Roosevelt

Leaders who stand out are those who genuinely see caring as imperative for the collective success – their own, their employees and their organization.

Collaborative leadership and problem-solving proffer a foundation for engagement, inclusivity, and high performance.

Talk to your people, and you'd be surprised that the solution everyone was busy looking for is a conversation away!

Leaders must find ways to inspire their teams to deliver desired results. You must exemplify the actions, drive and values that you want your team to embrace, and people will surprise you with their ingenuity!