Balancing Leadership and Followership
Balancing Leadership and Followership
(Balancing Leadership and Followership)
Leadership positions within teams can often be fluid and dynamic. Circumstances may require an individual to step forward and lead in some situations and then adopt the role of follower in others. As a leader, how do you know when it is appropriate to lead and when it is appropriate to follow? How can you foster leadership skills in your team members so they too feel confident enough to lead when the situation calls for it?
When to Lead:
- Clear Direction Needed: If the team is unsure of the next steps or is facing a challenge, it’s important to step in and provide clear direction and guidance.
- Team Morale and Motivation: If team members are struggling or demotivated, a leader should take charge to boost morale, provide encouragement, and align everyone with a common goal.
- Time Sensitivity or Crisis: In time-sensitive or high-pressure situations, decisive leadership is crucial to avoid confusion and keep the team on track.
When to Follow:
- Other Team Members Have Expertise: When someone else on the team has more specialized knowledge or expertise in a given situation, it’s essential to step back and follow their lead to ensure the best outcomes.
- Encourage Collaboration: In situations where team input is needed, adopting a supportive role allows for better collaboration and fosters a sense of shared ownership.
- Empower Others: Allowing others to take the lead in appropriate circumstances helps develop their skills and fosters a more collaborative and confident team dynamic.
Fostering Leadership Skills in Team Members:
- Encourage Ownership: Give team members the autonomy to make decisions and take responsibility for their work. This builds confidence and leadership skills.
- Provide Development Opportunities: Offer opportunities for team members to lead small projects or initiatives to gain experience in leadership roles.
- Mentorship and Coaching: Offer guidance and mentorship to help team members develop leadership skills. Provide constructive feedback and opportunities for reflection on their leadership growth.
- Promote a Growth Mindset: Foster an environment where taking initiative is encouraged, and mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. This will help team members feel empowered to step up when needed.
In summary, being able to balance leadership and followership involves situational awareness, and developing leadership skills in team members requires creating a supportive environment where everyone feels capable of leading when the situation arises.
