To Lead with no Power!
Is it truley possible to lead when given no power? If your title is only in name can you lead?
Tu,
What an inspiring quote! Thanks for sharing.
Dr. Jamie Morley
I agree with your statement, Dr. Morley. Leading by example is how you can gain the respect of your subordinates, colleagues, as well as your superior. As what was mentioned earlier in one of the threads, leaders can be born or trained; however, the actions are what is expected of them.
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." John Quincy Adams
Lisa,
Good suggestions! Especially for new managers coming into an established team, leading by example is crucial. There is one piece of advice I always give to new managers. Don’t be afraid to ask your experienced team members for guidance. A manager does not need to know everything. Sometimes, new managers feel that asking their employees questions makes them look weak. In reality, it shows that you are comfortable in your role and have respect for all opinions.
Dr. Jamie Morley
This situation can be tough. It is important to meet with your team and discuss your vision and expectations and to establish your position as their new team leader. Explain to your team there may be changes, but the ultimate goal is to guide and lead the team in a positive direction. Allow your team an opportunity to offer suggestions and voice any concerns which can help you help the team.
Tim,
Leading by example will usually garner not only higher performance but also employee loyalty. There are two schools of thought – one that says leaders are born and one that says that leaders are made. Regardless of your opinion, I agree with your assessment that it does not take a title or power to be a leader. There is a great quote by Russell Ewing that sums it up. “A boss creates fear, a leader confidence. A boss fixes blame, a leader corrects mistakes. A boss knows all, a leader asks questions.â€
Dr. Jamie Morley
Great point Phillip. Nothing speaks louder than results in some cases and your strategy of leading by example highlights the differences between a manager and a leader.
Best,
Tim
James,
There are two schools of thought – one that says leaders are born and one that says that leaders are made. Regardless of your opinion, I agree with your assessment that it does not take a title or power to be a leader. There is a great quote by Russell Ewing that sums it up. “A boss creates fear, a leader confidence. A boss fixes blame, a leader corrects mistakes. A boss knows all, a leader asks questions.â€
Nice post!
Dr. Jamie Morley
Yes, it is entirely possible to lead with no title or power. And it is also very possible to have the power or title and not lead. Leadership is steering the group in a productive direction and motivitating them to accomplish goals. In many cases, having power without leadership is detrimental. Most true leaders that I know have a unique ability to gain the respect of their peers and motivate them to move forward. And the most ineffective leaders I know lead by power or intimidation which leads to ineffectiveness. A person with the ability and desire to lead to obtain a better outcome does not necessarily need the power that comes with a position.
Julie,
I am so glad that you enjoyed it. Congratulations!
Dr. Jamie Morley
Wow, what a strong statement but I totally agree. I am by nature a strong leader,but do not have a leadership title. On the other hand I need to learn to sit back and lead by letting others take leadership roles which is note easy for me to do. I loved this class and is by far the most challanging and want to utilize what I learned from it.
Rose Ann,
The best way to motivate a stalled team is for them to see progress. Power is not as important as progress, nor is position. Earning respect by rolling up your sleeves and living the characteristics you possess that earned you the assignment is the best way to get through to team members.
Good luck.
Dr. Jamie Morley
Why were you put in the position in the first place? because you got things done? because you had incredible organizational skills? because you are/could motivate others? Perhaps because this particular team was stagnant and not moving forward? You can only do what you can do to the best of your abilities. if you were put in this position because you have demonstrated abilities in this area-then just do them. once the team sees some progress they will get it.
I like the question. I find it much easier to lead without a title. People naturally gravitate to those people who gain their respect and trust. When given a title, it cleaves the ability to do that for many reasons. Expectations are higher and some people like to show they can "fight the power" and cast themselves as the underdog are a couple of them.
Phillip,
Thanks for these excellent insights! Based on what you said, I would love to be on your team. Many team leaders feel it necessary to gain power or control, when in reality, leading by example is a much better strategy! Although it sounds like it comes naturally to you, this concept is very foreign to many managers. The book Servant Leadership is a great and quick read on this subject if you want to learn more.
Well done.
Jamie
I found that I could lead with no power simply by doing the same kinds of things that I asked my team to do, not delegating things I didn't want to do, but asking for assistance in doing things and working along side them, then letting them shine when they performed well without my bing there all the time. Encouragement and example was my power, not a title or being a boss. I don't take the position of a boss or even someone with any power. I feel that my team sees that I'm not power hungry either, and they are more willing to step up to that type persons requests.
Some of the stongest teams I have been on have been collaboative efforts rather than teams that have been appointed and a leader named. Leadership does not always include the power to force others to follow your wills.
In my opinion, the greatest leaders I have worked with are good because they direct rather than dictate the process. Many times the leader of a group of peers will produce a higher quality product than a group directed by a "boss".
On the other side, not having power within a team you are trying to lead can be an issue. Especially when there are several members that have conflicting views or they have no respect for each other. I have been in a few of these teams also and have found that the product of their work tends to come from one side or the other rather than a true team effort.
I agree, you must earn their respect. I succeeded in a similar situation. You have to get right in there with them and show the group how you want it to work. Make individuals responsible and help them take ownership. When they see results they will have personal satisfaction as well as a good feeling of unity with you as the person who led them to the successful results.
Hi Rick,
Thanks for the positive feedback. This understanding and attitude should help you to successfully guide a strong team and develop future leaders.
Best,
Greg
I have to say all responses within this forum have been spot on. My experience has been people will gravitate toward the natural leader even if that person does not hold a title. Holding the title of a leader does not mean you are one. That does not mean The titleless leader will not have challanges along the way. Some level of politics usually seems to get in the way. Then there are those individulas with the bruised ego's. Show the way and do it for the right reasons and good things will happen.
