Two Way Leadership
Happy Friday from sunny Queensland. This week’s piece will take you 58 sec. to watch by clicking the button below or a touch longer to read.
Part of the leader’s role is to direct the focus and efforts of others, but at times, it’s good to flip the tables and ask for the team’s input and guidance.
This week we’ve had the privilege of being involved in gathering such input from a team of 50+ individuals. The business owner and general manager of a Queensland Hotel said: “We want candid feedback from our people as to what we can be doing better as leaders and where we can improve our business. We want them to say it as it is.” That’s courage!
As Michelle and I interviewed everyone, we’ve been super impressed with the candour and quality of their comments. Employees appreciate being part of the solution and having their ideas and insights heard. Being able to participate in this way lets people know that guidance done well is a two-way street. It also builds confidence and gives a sense of control over the environment. This in turn aids perceived influence and creates higher job satisfaction which in turn fuels ongoing motivation to do a good job. Even if every idea is not or cannot be implemented, just being involved and being able to express thoughts and feelings is its own empowerment force.
If you want increased levels of buy-in from your people, to understand how managers can do a better job of leading their teams, and supercharge innovation and customer satisfaction, take a tip from the hotel leadership: create a participatory environment where people can provide candid feedback and innovative ideas without fear.
Ray
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*Co-written with Michelle Sexton
*Image by Gerd Altmann