The mark of a good leader lies in the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. The easiest way to do that, I have learnt recently, is to step aside and look at the situation with an impersonal, impartial and neutral view – devoid of any bias, anger or impatience.
Until today, I was always a team member, consciously making the choice to not make tough decisions. I would pull my juniors up with me and push them to the brink as we slogged it out together… it’s what came most naturally to me as a team player. I was coached the importance of never defining hierarchy in our basketball teams for over 8 years and suddenly I was learning that there was team play even in delegation.
Motivate your team, never let them feel the pressure you are feeling unless absolutely necessary. Take absolute charge over their work and time, but never micro manage by not giving them the freedom of thought. Plan for yourself and your team, have never to say the words “why didn’t I think of that”! But the most important of them all is the lesson of never blaming your team for something that’s gone wrong. You are responsible for the output. You are responsible for the review. You are responsible for the deadlines. You are responsible for the resources.
The Buck Stops Here.
