The musical chairs of status
"Caring about the happiness (status) of others we find our own" Plato
We've all seen the game musical chairs - people walking in a circle around a group of chairs on high alert waiting for the music to stop so they can claim a chair. The one left standing is out and the game continues until the last person is seated. Those seated are awarded the status of being in the group. The last one seated is crowned with the status of winner. Here I'll use the musical chairs concept in relation to how status revolves - or should revolve around a group of people.
Merriam Webster defines status as a position or rank in relation to others or relative rank in hierarchy of prestige. A leader has status of course, but he or she should be willing to surrender that status for the benefit of others. I surrender status when I give someone the floor to speak, when I welcome and entertain a guest, when I serve a customer, and when I'm vulnerable as a leader asking the group to help me and the organization tackle a complex problem. While it seems to happen informally, it's deliberate for me. It empowers, emboldens, and promotes my teammates and that is my intent. I surrender status when I subordinate my leadership for the knowledge and ideas of others. In my small business my teammates know more about the measuring and installation of our products than I do. I listen and learn as if I awarded them the status of leader or teacher.
In a formal or informal meeting, status will travel around the room in musical chair fashion as each person takes the floor to make their points. Status is awarded to a team member who is selected to brief or train others in the group. Those granted the status of trainer or briefer surrender their status to audience members when individuals have questions or input.
In musical chairs there is one winner. In leading a group of people (which is every business) there should be several winners. Be quick and willing to surrender your status to another. It should happen formally and informally, at numerous times throughout the day. It's akin to musical chairs though everyone gets a chance to be crowned winner.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell