Imagine two departments, Marketing and Sales, led by John and Sarah respectively. Both were ambitious and driven, but their leadership styles differed vastly.
John, the head of Marketing, had a "my way or the highway" approach. He
✓rarely solicited feedback
✓clung to traditional methods
✓relied on the techniques and network he used early in his career
Sarah, on the other hand, embraced leadership development. She
✓participated in coaching programs
✓attended workshops on effective communication
✓actively sought feedback from her team
✓expanded her network and techniques with new approaches
What Happened?
John's team stagnated. Morale was low, and creativity dwindled. Stuck in their routine, they missed emerging marketing trends. John, frustrated by the lack of innovation, became even more controlling. The vicious cycle continued.
Sarah's team thrived. Through open communication, they brainstormed new ideas, embraced data-driven decision making, and experimented with innovative sales strategies. Sarah empowered her team, recognized their strengths, and provided targeted support. As a result, the team consistently exceeded sales targets and became a hub for creative marketing solutions.
One day, a senior leadership position opened up. Both John and Sarah were nominated. While John's experience was undeniable, his team's recent performance raised concerns. Sarah, with her strong leadership skills and a team that consistently delivered results, was the clear favorite.
The Question Remains: Which Leader Would You Like to Be?
John, the stagnant leader, or Sarah, the one who embraced development and empowered her team? The choice is clear. By investing in your leadership skills, you can create a more positive and productive work environment, not only for yourself but for your entire team.
Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. Are you ready to take the first step towards becoming a leader like Sarah?
Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay
Scott Burgmeyer
