Let’s start here: leaders, by definition, have followers.
And while everyone’s actions have a broader impact than most of us realize, a leader’s impact has ripples that fan out across – dare I say it – multitudes.
This is obvious when we look at leaders in high places: CEOs of companies, Executive Directors of nonprofits, military generals, politicians (especially in senior levels) (looking at you, current administration!), and so on.
And – and – it’s also true of leaders in any capacity and any role.
Department leaders, team leaders, project managers: you’re leading, and your actions (or lack thereof) have impacts on the people you lead, and on the people they interact with – families, colleagues, communities. It’s a ripple effect, and one which – just as when you throw a rock into a lake and watch the ripples spread beyond your line of sight – you can’t know how far it goes, or even where it goes.
I’m currently watching a team my client is no longer leading, but whose new leader he’s aware of and therefore sees their impact. He’s understandably unhappy and annoyed that this new leader is doing things that undermine their (formerly his) team, decreasing the team’s commitment to their jobs and to the company.
It’s distressing, no question. When you’ve spent years building relationships, fostering trust, coaching and encouraging growth and confidence, it’s maddening to see it start to crumble because of someone else’s actions.
Why am I telling you this? Because it’s a direct, black-and-white illustration of what a good leader can accomplish, versus what a … I won’t call them a “bad” leader: instead, I’ll say they’re simply an inexeperienced leader. They haven’t been in this type of role before, and they’re lacking in what I consider to be the most important characteristic of any leader: self-awareness, including awareness of the impact you have on the team and others around you.
The ripples of leadership don’t care if the leader is building people up, supporting them, coaching them, helping them grow … or ignoring them, taking them for granted, refusing to hear ideas, steamrolling over questions.
The ripples just have an impact.
As leaders, we need to be aware of the ripples we create.
Self-awareness is a tough challenge, but ultimately so very worthwhile, on multiple levels way beyond “just” leadership. I have a limited number of coaching clients at any time; contact me if you’re interested.
Photo by Nijwam Swargiary on Unsplash