Cultivating an open and cooperative culture is one of the most important challenges a business leader faces. It requires a style of leadership that denies ego and builds confidence amongst employees. Article by Doug Chapman, L&D consultant focusing on management and leadership at Thales Learning & Development.
While many executives are adamant about having their authority go unquestioned, the most successful and innovative companies are driven by concerted effort, rather than the sole guidance of a single figure. If you want your team to excel in the long-term, it is essential to establish a collaborative culture in which no one hesitates to voice their opinions. Here’s why:
Stress Destroys
Intimidation is one of the common reasons team members don’t question leaders. They fear that speaking up will get them fired or put them in a bad light with their bosses. They are worried their ideas won’t be given fair consideration, or they are conditioned to second-guess their own knowledge, so a working environment where employees feel obligated to keep their mouths shut is one in which stress abounds. However, stress destroys creativity, undermines confidence, stymies innovation, and fosters discontent.
Perspective is Invaluable
It is likely that the members of your team were hired because they are capable, competent, and qualified to contribute to the project. Their opinions matter, therefore, and their divergent perspectives will help bring the project into better focus. When everyone working on a project is able to contribute their views and help refine the outcome, the company benefits.
Contribution Fuels Passion
Passionate employees are one of the best resources any business can possibly acquire, but workers only become passionate about their jobs when they feel their labour contributes in a substantial way to the company’s mission. In order to feel productive and satisfied, employees must feel included and needed. Giving them respect and the freedom to shape decisions is the best way to fuel loyalty and passion.
Confidence Drives Innovation
Innovating means experimenting, pushing boundaries, and taking risks. A culture in which workers are confident enough to challenge decisions and offer bold new ideas is the only one in which innovation can thrive.
Leaders Aren’t Always Right
Because you can’t always be right, it is essential to be surrounded by those who are willing and able to let you know when you are wrong. Not only is it good for the company, but it also forces leaders to recognise their own weaknesses and gain awareness of the areas where they need to improve (or delegate). The best leaders are those committed to learning and development throughout the course of their careers. A company that empowers its workers empowers itself. No business can be supported for long by the sole efforts of a single leader: it takes teamwork. The stronger and more competent you can make each member of your team, the more successful your business will ultimately become.
