The loneliness of your decisions
"Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision." Peter Drucker
"It's lonely at the top." I've heard that said about leadership. Indeed, I've felt it. Leaders are placed on top of teams and organizations due, among other things, to their experience, ability, and character. In the Army, male commanders are often referred to as, "the old man," the elder of the group who has the experience and authority. While the 'boss' may not be older than the rest, he or she occupies a position which requires them to make decisions which impact each person and the trajectory of the organization. This is why it is so important to pick the right person to place in the role.
Humble leaders feel the isolation of the position. Who wants to be alone? Many yearn for input and confirmation that they are doing the right thing - that their leadership is effective. It doesn't always come, hence the loneliness. Often, decisions are accepted and acted upon without much feedback. Even bad decisions may be carried out to the detriment of the team and its people. Negative results can result or even the loss of employees under a bad decision. This is why feedback, open and honest dialogue, and psychological safety are so crucial in the workplace. A boss open to feedback and to the input of his or her people can make decisions which are less isolated - which have the input and support of the rank and file. Sometimes, however, a decision must be made without much input. Moreover, a leader ought to take stock in their experience and wisdom. Time to decide.
Leaders should indeed, honor their experience and wisdom. It is they who see and understand (or should) situations greater than others. The rank and file mostly live in the tactical world, where directives are given and tasks are completed. Leaders operate above the fray (or should) seeing the bigger picture, thinking more strategically than tactically. Leaders spend more time thinking and crafting their words than their subordinates. Because they are not the ones with their head down, doing the busy tactical work, they can analyze, problem solve, and develop decisions with greater thought and skill.
Be the old man or old woman. Accept some loneliness. Scrutinize your thoughts. Seek counsel and feedback where you can. Hire a coach! Listen to your people but know that you have the experience, confidence, and wisdom to decide by yourself. You won't always have the luxury of group think. You won't always get the feedback you desire. People expect you, and you alone to decide. Many yearn for your decision-making. If you have led well and have formed a healthy work environment, your people will be ready to accept and discharge your decisions. Be wise, reasoned, and prudent, but decide - even in the echo chamber of leadership. EpicQuotes.com states, "Standing alone doesn't mean you are alone. It just means you are strong enough (of a leader) to handle things (your decisions) by yourself."
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell