Stop the leadership blame game! And the sport of leadership bashing
In this article I want to go on a rant – so get ready! This rant is as a result of something I have been noticing lately on all sorts of social media platforms, where only the disgruntled seem to be vocal.
I am sure that there will be people who disagree with what I am about to say but I also know there will be many people reading this who will appreciate the fact that someone is verbalising how they are feeling right now, about leadership.
So, I want to state right up front that I support the function and role of leadership, and I will constantly stand up against the abuse that leaders have to take every single day by a toxic few who declare themselves as working for the greater good, when really it is all about them!
Now I know it is not healthy to live in a constant state of frustration and a constant state of being disturbed. But sometimes we have to stand up for what we believe in and not let the negative and self-indulgent, have the only voice.
I am not sure if you have also observed the negative press that leadership is getting on social media lately.
Now I will acknowledge that our political leadership right across the board is not providing what we necessarily voted them in to do, but in saying that, we live in a free society where we can be, and achieve, almost anything we want, so maybe looking at life through the lens of gratitude rather than a lens of a victim might help the situation I am about to talk about. Besides, who would want the constant daily battle of being a politician. NOT ME!
Not once have a I read someone posting about how appreciative they are of their leadership. I know there are people out there who feel that way, but they just remain silent – and this is where the problem lies.
Well, it’s time to speak up people, otherwise nothing changes. It is time to bring some respect back for people and the positions they have been appointed to.
Yes, leaders do make mistakes, and there are some leaders out there who should never be in a leadership position, but they are in the minority!
It’s funny, I never hear anyone say anything against those being led, because for some people every fault is as a result of poor leadership.
Apparently, we are told that all workplace cultural issues are as a result of bad leadership. What a load of rubbish!
Every one of us has responsibility for the part we all play in creating a great workplace culture. To blame a single person or a single group of people is just a diversion from our own lack of acceptance of our personal responsibility. Until we are prepared to accept our part in the process, then we forfeit our right to judge others.
Having been in leadership development now for over 45 years, I have been thrust in the middle of many toxic groups that are just impossible to lead or motivate. They operate on the principal that any decision made that they do not agree with, or might mean some form of change for them, means that they have a bad leader. Sometimes they do – but most times they don’t.
Seriously – we need to grow up people! We need to stop acting like children and become fully functional adults – otherwise nothing will change.
Because many of these same people are also the most thin-skinned people on the planet and usually what you are experiencing with them in the workplace is also a reflection of their life outside of the workplace – they are professional victims!
Remember: if you constantly look for the bad in situations then you will find it!
My declaration today is that I am sticking up for leadership and the amazing job that most of them do because 90% of leaders are out there doing the very best they can with little support and little encouragement. So, how about you help them rather than constantly criticise them.
So, here is my first challenge for you:
This week post something good about leadership that you have experienced recently. If your response to this is that you haven’t seen any, then you have not been looking closely enough, or you have fallen into the habit of only seeing the bad.
Good is happening all around us if we choose to see it.
Seriously, unless we start to change the narrative in the marketplace then we will continue to lose our great leaders and allow the toxic few, both leaders, and those being led, to win – and I refuse to let that happen.
Leaders are now having to also adapt to a hybrid leadership situation where much of the time they are not even with their teams. This in itself creates a plethora of communication and team building problems.
I have the best team and have the highest respect for all of them as people and practitioners. I also have a fantastic leadership team. That doesn’t mean we don’t have disagreements, but we address them in a respectable way and deal with them, and then move on together.
I also have to say that I work in a pretty healthy workplace where our culture is productive, professional and fun, and we have worked hard on that – but guess what sometimes shit happens!
Or, sometimes someone will come into our team who believe they are bigger and better than the team. So, the process goes as follows: You have several crucial conversations with them and eventually you discover they are there just for them, or they don’t fit and with much pain you remove them from the team.
Unfortunately, they have absolutely no insight into their own behaviour but guess what, apparently you are now the total cause of their demise and will have to suffer the consequences of any action they may take after the event. But be encouraged, because it won’t be long before you are not the enemy, because they have moved on and are now creating the same situation in their new role. So, take it on the chin!
If someone comes into your team who is all about themselves and sours the culture, then get rid of them. It is not wrong to remove them!
Sure, they will criticise you and your business after the fact but let me tell you – short-term pain is far better than the pain caused by the damage they inflict if you ignore their behaviour and let them stay.
Sure, you must also evaluate your own behaviour, learn from the experience and make your own appropriate changes but leaders need to lead, and we are responsible for the whole team – not just the noisy, self-indulgent few.
Your role is to lead and care for 100% of your team, not just 20%.
When you act on behalf of the whole group and not just the noisy complaining minority, you are a good leader – remember that!
It is no wonder though that leaders are leaving their roles in droves and leadership vacancies are just not being taken up at the moment. Many potential leaders are saying – “why would I bother, why would I want that stress in my life”.
The paradox is – that without great leadership, the stress on everyone’s life is increased, and the negative situations are exacerbated.
Some advice for Leaders
Don’t go into leadership for title or money because if you do you will constantly be frustrated, instead go into leadership to promote HOPE in the lives of the people you lead. But to do that you must first be able to demonstrate HOPE and positivity within your own life.
To foster and promote HOPE into lives and situations is our
#1 responsibility as leaders.
I know that there will be tough times and tough situations and tough people, but I also know after 50+ years in leadership that what we do is good and has the ability to change lives and situations forever. So, don’t stop now – we need you more than ever!
I don’t read the bible much but there is a scripture that my father shared with me as a young man, and I have always tried to live by, and it is this: “to whom much is given much is expected”.
This means that you have added responsibilities to the people you lead and the environment you lead in. It is no longer just about you. More will be expected of you when you move into a leadership role – so wear it with pride!
If you don’t want to accept the challenge of leadership then you will never experience the privilege. So, get out and let someone else who can accept that challenge, do the job.
So, if you are being criticised or slandered, you have two choices – let it continue to cause damage and destroy your personal and professional culture, or take the higher ground and call it out, understanding that the short-term pain is worth the long-term gain.
Then evaluate – make changes if criticism is justified otherwise throw it in the bin where it belongs.
Some advice for those being led
If you are constantly criticising your leadership then please don’t profess to being a good leader yourself. Because you are not!
I know that this is confronting – but it is true.
At the end of the day, we are all leaders whether we have a title or not. We all have a responsibility to assist in bringing about positive outcomes, so it is time you started supporting your appointed leadership, understanding that they are far from perfect, as are you, and they will say and do things that you do not agree with – that’s life!
So, understand the added pressure they are under and deal with your disagreements in a professional and respectful way also understanding that you may be right but there is a good chance that you are also wrong. You may even be the problem!
This is when that destructive emotion called PRIDE takes over and that never results in a good outcome.
But really it doesn’t matter who is wrong or right. Respect from both parties is what is required and if we don’t have that then we will never learn to resolve our issues and to bring about a great result.
Disrespect, when displayed openly is a very ugly look!
In Conclusion
Have you ever asked your leader if they are, OK?
Have you ever asked how you can help them?
Have you ever thanked them or told them they are doing a good job?
Have you ever asked why they do certain things and how they make certain decisions.
You see, it is so easy to criticise and take cheap gutless shots at those who are trying their best to lead in difficult circumstances. So, maybe it’s you that needs to change – not them!
So, if you have a genuine concern that you are prepared to be a part of the solution – let’s talk!
But if you are just a constant and negative whinger, then go away and tell someone who cares.
I support leaders and leadership, and I always will, but to do so, sometimes means being bold enough to say so.
So, Leaders let’s continue to see the privilege in what we do and to foster HOPE in ourselves and others – because what we do is a good thing but that belief starts with us.
Let’s Bring Leadership Back!
Des Penny is the Founder and CEO of Proteus Leadership
Proteus Leadership is one of Australia’s premier leadership training and development companies. Proteus Leadership provides leadership courses and management training to a range of industries and assists organisations to build positive workplace cultures, implement change and Create Great Leaders. Proteus also facilitates a range of world-class management courses, workshops, conferences and events across Australia and beyond with the sole purpose of bringing leaders together to connect and grow.
“Our core purpose is to Create Great Leaders that will in turn build Great companies and develop Great teams.”