When I was a young manager, I learned that one of my main responsibilities as a serving leader is to grow future leaders. I understood that, to do that, I must give up control and allow those I led to make decisions and take action.
Still, it was often hard when someone who worked for me took initiative and acted without consulting me first. I couldn’t help it. I wasn’t yet at the place where my ego didn’t bruise and I’d have to talk myself out of feeling indignant, hurt, or angry— or, should I say, my mentor would have to talk me out of it.
He would remind me that this is what leadership is all about. If I wanted to walk the talk, I had to be OK when the people I led acted independently, especially when it was consistent with my intent and organizational purpose.
In fact, I learned, I must celebrate it.
So, I would reign in my ego, swallow my pride and reinforce the behavior with a sincere “thank you.”
Grow by Katy Tresseder is licenced under Creative Commons
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