#64 - 'Despite you' or 'because of you'?
4 Jun 25
It's easy to be a lazy leader if you're that way inclined. Just sit back and let the troops do all the work!
Except very quickly you will lose all respect from them because whilst you may have the title, it doesn't mean a thing if you can't cut the mustard!
Lazy leaders get bypassed, blind-sided and spend the majority of their time trying to win back the favour they have just lost. Some can, most can't!
As a leader, things should happen because of you, not despite you! Stay relevant and add the value that you're being paid for!
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#64 - 'Despite you' or 'because of you'?
What?
Now this question can be interpreted in two ways. One which is positive, and the other not so.
Ideally, the ultimate role of the leader is to ensure that things do happen despite them. However, this is in the context of the leader articulating a vision and holding sufficient influence over the team to convince everyone that they will follow. Not because they must, but because they want to.
But in this context, I'm focussing on those moments where the above has not happened. And what follows is a team effectively taking charge of themselves. More through survival and wanting to get things done, rather than it being a coordinated, well-laid out and well-led plan.
I've seen this happen on many occasions and the difference is quite stark.
Why?
Teams start to take charge of themselves, normally when they have completely lost faith in their line manager. They enter survival mode, frequently doing what they think is the right thing to do in the interests of the team.
The leader becomes blind-sided and bypassed, mainly because the team see them as a hinderance rather than a help. Let's not even cover the requirement for the leader to issue direction and guidance!
Effectively there is a leadership void, or vacuum. It has to be filled or everyone becomes vulnerable. the leader then becomes nothing more than a figurehead, only called upon for a signature rather than to offer sage advice.
I've seen leaders crushed by this. But I've also seen leaders accept it, and continue to draw their salary despite offering absolutely no value at all.
It's tragic because it is a subject that can never be addressed by either party. Life becomes a calendar watch ticking down to the day when either the leader leaves or individuals do because they've had enough.
How?
So as a leader, how do you avoid the above?
A leader ensures things happen because of them not despite them by being intentional, empowering and aligned.
In particular they:
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Set a clear vision – Provide direction and purpose,
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Empower people – Trust and delegate effectively,
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Foster accountability and trust – Create a safe, ownership-driven culture,
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Communicate well – Ensure clarity and connection,
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Align teams – Break down silos and encourage collaboration,
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Make impactful decisions – Be timely and principled,
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Lead by example – Show up consistently and authentically.
In essence, great leaders actively create the conditions for success rather than being obstacles teams work around.
This can be boiled down to just one clear aim...
...make yourself relevant!
In Summary
I hope that you enjoyed reading this newsletter and that it has given you food for thought.
Leadership is all about setting your team up for success. It's about creating the environment for people to thrive both collectively and individually. But to do this takes hard work.
To ensure things happen because of you, not despite you, you have to do the hard yards.
This will allow you to get your position as leader ratified in the hearts and minds of those you are privileged to lead.
Have a great week!
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