Become a More Collaborative Leader
| If you rely on a decisive, command-and-control leadership style, you may find yourself not only at odds with your colleagues, but also viewed as a liability to the organization. There are several mindset shifts you can make to build trust with your peers and become a more collaborative leader. Start by turning inward and cultivating some humility. Ask yourself why you have such a hard time collaborating around decisions. Do you struggle to trust other people? Could you be undervaluing your colleagues’ contributions? Are you afraid of slowing processes down? Whatever the source of your hesitation, identify it, and remember that success is about accomplishing business objectives—not getting your way. Asking for input and seeking different perspectives is not a weakness—it’s an advantage that will only make your leadership more effective. Be honest about what you don’t know and pursue that information or data with an open curiosity alongside your colleagues. Finally, position your opinion as one option, not the option. When you opt to present your preference as just one possibility, you implicitly open the door to others that could be even stronger. |
| This tip is adapted from “Becoming More Collaborative—When You Like to Be in Control,” by Jenny Fernandez and Luis Velasquez |
