From time to time, all of us may feel like we are moving upstream against a current of resistance, or at the very least, indifference.
We have a direction or end result in mind, yet others don’t agree or don’t want to move in that direction. Perhaps they simply would rather not change what they have been doing.
Swimming against the current can be tiring. Sometimes it may not seem worth it. With all that is going and all the demands for our time and energy, it may seem easier to stop resisting and “go with the flow.” This is not the best approach!
Leadership is all about doing things right and doing the right thing. We have to keep going — there can be no compromise. If we really believe in the direction we have envisioned, then we need to learn to change the tide.
Getting People on Board
We could put our foot down and say “my way or the highway,” but that does little to bring the team together to operate effectively. Most people want to do the right thing and help the team, but often they are unclear about what is required and why. They may not have all the facts. They also want to feel like they were involved in the solution and that their ideas were heard.
Giving people a chance to provide input and perspective is invaluable – regardless of whether their input ends up being used. It creates stronger engagement. Effective leadership requires two-way communication with employees. Leaders must create stronger engagement by clearly and openly discussing the reasons and rationale behind decisions and change.
Get All the Facts on the Table
When all the facts and information required for making a decision are clearly presented, it is much easier to get everyone on board with the resulting decision.
The facts usually point to a particular solution or direction. Most people, given all the same facts, come to a similar conclusion. It’s a leader’s responsibility to assemble the facts and be clear about what needs to be done.
Two-Way Enlightenment
One of the real benefits of an open discussion about key business issues is that it often uncovers important new perspectives. Executives and senior managers don’t always have the answers. The people most engaged in the work being discussed can often present important information that should be considered in making decisions.
At the same time, open discussions can create greater clarity and buy-in from the team. This two-way communication enlightens everyone, strengthens the team and allows for improved support and execution of the actions and change required.
Standing Firm
At the end of the day, when all the facts have been gathered and reviewed, a decision must be made. It may not be the most popular decision, and there may still be opposition — if for no other reason than because change upsets the status quo.
When there has been an opportunity for discussion, you have explained the reasons behind the decision, and you have provided information about new tasks or requirements, the team will be much more willing to actively support and execute the decision.
Leadership Requires Courage
It may not be easy to stand firm when we believe the right decision has been made…but this is an essential part of leadership. Where there is team engagement and a respected leader, the team will go along with the decisions, trusting that the leader must make the final decision.
It has been said that when you dare to go against the grain (or swim upstream), you dare to live life to the absolute fullest. This may or may not be true, but it is clear that for leaders there is reward in overcoming the obstacles that get in the way of reaching your destination.
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Tags: Challenges, Change, Decision Making, Opposition
Jerry Baker began his career in the management development program at Ford Motor Company, later became a manager of budgets and analysis for Northrop Corporation, then furthered his management development as Deputy Director for the California Department of Commerce when Ronald Reagan was Governor.