Friday Focus: The Network of a Leader
Whether running a business, team, family or group, having the right network of people to lean on for advice, guidance, and unique abilities is of great importance. The best leaders in history from military generals, football coaches or Fortune 500 CEOs all have a great supporting cast around them, either directly via employment or externally through trusted friends, connections, and even rivals.
Surrounding yourself with the right people is essential in order to become and stay a competent and inspiring leader. The network of individuals you trust to turn to for advice, perspective, or a specific skillset play a significant role in your success.
Seems straight forward, however so many people in positions of leadership, to the detriment of their subordinates or team, do not achieve or value having the right network of people around them.
There are two main reasons some leaders lack a trusted network: Firstly, due to individualism, pride and undervaluing its importance, and secondly and most prevalent, surrounding themselves with so called “yes-men” as their trusted network.
In the first instance, it is easy for a leader to succumb to the pitfall of overconfidence and self-righteousness. Afterall, if someone becomes a leader or is placed into a position of authority, they had to have (hopefully) demonstrated, either through their work or other achievements, qualities necessary to receive their promotion. With that, can come a sense of accomplishment and perhaps an air of superiority, as they are indeed in a position of power surely they should be knowledgeable or correct on most or all areas and issues….or so they believe.
The second reason why leaders may lack the proper surrounding cast is by making the mistake of filling their network with agreeable individuals only. People fearful of their leader or there to climb the corporate ladder, usually blindly optimistic or unabashedly in agreement with any idea or decision the manager makes.
Both result in a leader left exiled, out of touch with reality and in isolation, which with time destroys any morale or mission a team is embarking on in their given business sector.
A famous quote about leadership is that it is a lonely position. Indeed true, leaders are solo, not part of a team and usually the important decision stops with them and requires their lone approval/disapproval. The pressure is real and having a trusted network with an honest mindset and skills to aid in making the correct decisions cannot be understated.
The best a leader can do is surround themselves with a diverse set of individuals with different skill sets, opinions and of different professional backgrounds. Then truly ask and listen to feedback and different opinions and encourage different perspectives to be brought forth. Write no one off, after all everyone’s opinion is valid, because it is what they believe as an individual whether correct or not.
Truly listen, engage with the feedback or difference in opinion, acknowledge and challenge it, with words and action. That is how we truly learn and make others heard. Listening is done through action sparking debate and discussion, not an involuntary movement. It’s one thing to hear, another to listen. Heed the word of your network and team, above all remember, you work for them, not the other way around.
To gain personalized guidance for your business on this topic and others contact us.
- Vince Calace
Founder - Venture Business Development