Forsenorse's Blog

There is not a fine line, but a gaping hole, between leading through demands/directives with no team buy-in or feedback as opposed to allowing everyone to feel warm, good, “included” in every decision.

The military style of leadership can work with a young and very inexperienced staff – if the leader has the vision, knowledge and experience to know the path to success. Dad can’t ask all of his kids which route they want to take to get to their destination, but he better know himself, or at least stop and ask directions from experienced locals.

The “let’s include everyone” style of leadership works when you have a team of experienced people, who are all mature enough to know their own limitations and ability to contribute across a variety of subjects. It’s the job of the leader to filter the feedback and determine what is important to pursue only after consulting with the category experts either in or out of the office.

These are not black and white. Success lies in the middle.  Only a true leader knows the difference between a military style and an “all in” style and when to enact each.  The leaders ability to play in the middle lies between his/her own confidence and ego.