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Taking on a leadership role in your workplace is not as easy as it seems and may require a shift in mindset.
According to author and business consultant, Scott McDowell, leaders do not have the luxury of being able to "compartmentalise like the worker. They must simultaneously juggle the long- and short-term while inspiring those around them to do great work."
Becoming a leader is one thing, but becoming a great leader is something else. McDowell feels that great leadership is hard to understand and the very term itself is constantly misused. He says that everybody kind of understands what leadership is and that everybody wants it, but no one is really sure what it means, which is why he is happy to share his advice for those new to leadership roles.
"As a new leader, first try to adopt three specific (often counterintuitive) mindsets of good leadership," McDowell says.
McDowell says that many new leaders fall victim to thinking they have to have all the ideas and direction worked out before they’ve even taken on the job. Instead of trying to force your ideas into life, "you must be a steward of people and ideas. Stewardship is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to you."
According to McDowell, leadership isn’t about being diplomatic or choosing the lesser of two evils.
"Have a point of view (or better yet, a worldview) and don’t be afraid to say it aloud, repeatedly. Say what’s in your heart. People are attracted to this quality," he says.
McDowell insists that one of the keys to good leadership is putting yourself in uncomfortable situations as often as possible rather than excelling in one discipline.
"Stretch your parameters. A good leader can find comfort and calm in any situation, and this skill only comes from taking smart risks," says McDowell.
Typically taking on the responsibility of managing others for the first time can be daunting and uncomfortable, akin to "being air-dropped into a foreign land with no food or water, left to your own devices."
McDowell says that you need to accept that becoming a leader has a steep learning curve but ultimately, it is challenge worth taking on and that you can take comfort in knowing that you’re not the only one to ever experience this transition.
Often, those new to leadership roles will feel the need to get their hands dirty and ensure they are across the minutiae of every project under their guardianship.
McDowell believes that it is actually better to step aside in the initial stages of your leadership and let others take over. In the modern workplace, work is completed on a project basis, led by whoever is best skilled or experienced for the job. A good leader will know when to concede ownership of a project or share ownership.
McDowell is a firm believer in giving responsibility to your staff as ownership of the work can be a tremendous motivator and often unearths talent where you least expect it.
"It encourages true collaboration and teamwork. The hard part is fully giving up control of a project. It takes trust and a reasonable allocation of risk and tolerance for failure. But it also can lead to great reward. At some point, it’s a necessary step in the evolution of a leader. The sooner you attempt to let others rule, the better off you’ll be," says McDowell.
About the author
Edward has learned much of what he knows from over ten years’ experience writing and producing content for the web across a variety of topics, including leadership, technology, communication, productivity, insurance and finance. The rest he has picked up from watching far too much television.
About ANZIIF
The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) is the leading provider of education, training and professional development services to the insurance and financial services industry in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region. For more information visit www.theinstitute.com.au