Are you stuck in your management comfort zone?

The greatest mistake you can make in life is continually fearing that you’ll make one.” — Elbert Hubbard

The Question

What's the most common mistake managers are making?

I remember speaking with a team leader who was frustrated by their team's lack of progress. They tried everything from increasing accountability to fostering a friendlier environment, yet nothing seemed to work. This story is all too common. Managers often default to their natural tendencies, swinging between extremes in their efforts to lead effectively.

As organizations grow and processes become more complex, managers face the challenge of maintaining team momentum and engagement. It’s easy to fall into the trap of either being too lenient or too strict, micromanaging or giving too much freedom, or overloading the team with meetings or cutting them out entirely. These extremes can lead to frustration, inefficiency, and a lack of cohesion within the team.

The Research

One of the most common mistakes I see managers make stems from leaning too heavily into their natural inclinations, whether it’s creating psychological safety, enforcing accountability, or empowering team members. This often results in a pendulum swing between extremes, causing inefficiencies and a lack of cohesion within teams.

For example, focusing only on psychological safety without balancing it with accountability can lead to complacency. On the other hand, an overemphasis on accountability without psychological safety can stifle creativity and open communication.

A study in the Harvard Business Review looked at how empowering leadership affects job performance. The study analyzed data from 105 studies with 30,000 employees and found that leaders who empower their teams see more creativity and helpful behaviours. These leaders also build more trust with their employees.

However, the impact of empowering leadership is different in various cultures and situations. It works better in Eastern cultures compared to Western ones and is more helpful for employees who are new to their jobs.

This highlights the ever-important reminder that leadership rarely has a one-size-fits-all approach, even for seemingly effective management practices.

Some Advice

As a manager, finding the right balance is more art than science. It's about understanding the unique dynamics of your team and being flexible in your approach.

Too often, managers fall back on what feels comfortable, whether that's being overly lenient or excessively strict. But real leadership means stepping out of your comfort zone and addressing the needs of your team head-on.

Reflect on your own tendencies. Are you someone who naturally leans towards creating a friendly and safe environment? If so, challenge yourself to set clearer expectations and hold your team accountable when necessary. On the flip side, if you tend to focus on correction and improvement, take the time to build genuine connections with your team members. This balance is crucial for fostering both trust and high performance.

Your Hack

To strike the right balance, consider these actionable steps:

Balanced Accountability: Establish clear expectations and provide regular feedback while maintaining an open, supportive environment. Encourage team members to take ownership of their tasks but be ready to step in and guide when necessary.

Empower with Guidance: Start with clear guidelines and gradually increase autonomy as team members demonstrate their capabilities. Provide continuous support and be available to answer questions and offer feedback.

Effective Communication: Find the optimal meeting cadence that suits your team’s needs. This might mean fewer but more focused meetings. Use a mix of synchronous and asynchronous communication tools to ensure clarity without overwhelming your team.

Focusing on these steps can help balance the crucial aspects of leadership and management. It’s not about leaning too heavily into one area but finding harmony that works for you and your team.

Parting Thoughts

Leadership is not about swinging between extremes but finding the sweet spot that enables your team to thrive. As a manager, it’s crucial to understand your natural tendencies and adjust them to meet the needs of your team. By finding a balance in psychological safety, accountability, empowerment, and communication, you can create a high-performing team environment.

The most effective leaders are those who continuously learn and adapt their approaches and aren't afraid to sometimes ruffle some feathers in the name of the team's betterment. Strive to be that leader for your team.

Unicorn Leaders — The Podcast

Have you heard our podcast episodes!?

Jeanette Dorazio (CEO at Leadpages) In episode 17, Jeanette lays out how to reach the next level of your leadership career. She shares three lessons gained through her journey: knowing what is happening in the market, which she calls "outside in" because "nothing important happens in the office; listening first and understanding all sides before communicating; and finally, understanding how to interpret data.

Jonah Midanik (COO and Co-Founder of Forum Ventures) shares his journey and experience, recognizing that ‘what got you here won’t get you there. He has been lucky enough to have seen the startup journey from a variety of perspectives.

Take a listen & subscribe.

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THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Sincerely,

The Unicorn Labs Team

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