4 Things Good Leaders Do When Facing Obstacles

By Marcel Schwantes, Inc. Contributing Editor/

Founder, Leadership From The Core @MarcelScjeantes

EFFECTIVE LEADERS put aside their expertise to get the best out of colleagues. They heighten the collective genius of those in their organizations. And in doing so their teams overcome obstacles that, at fi rst glance, seemed insurmountable.

Ineff ective leaders, on the other hand, fl ex their expertise in the moment. They feel good about their decisions, while their colleagues feel isolated, unheard, and undervalued. And as a result, their organizations whither away in response to challenges.

To understand the tactics of eff ective leaders in high-functioning organizations during diffi cult times, I caught up with Dr. Richard Winters, author of You're the Leader. Now What?: Leadership Lessons from Mayo Clinic.

I asked Dr. Winters what he has seen as an emergency physician, executive coach, and director for leadership development as the most eff ective tactics of the leaders he advises.

Dr. Winters noted four specifi c things eff ective leaders do (and less eff ective leaders don't do) as they face obstacles.

1. Eff ective leaders map their decisions.

Ineff ective leaders make decisions based on refl exes behind blind spots. They jump to options and ways forward before clearly understanding the problem. They amplify the voices of the powerful few, and silence others. And they fail to identify the best process for decisions. This leaves colleagues disengaged and confused.

Eff ective leaders use a decision-making process that best fi ts each decision's domain. For example, when challenges are clear and predictable, they leverage best practice and common sense. When problems are complicated and expert advice is required, they seek the advice of specialists. And when situations are complex with emotions running high, they unite colleagues to create shared reality before deciding on how to proceed.

2. Eff ective leaders are coaches, not mentors.

Ineff ective leaders mentor. They counsel colleagues based on their own experience. While their intent may be honorable, they dispense advice that ignores the diff erences of their colleague's situation. "Eff ective leaders coach," said Dr. Winters. "They view colleagues as experts of their own experience and they challenge and support their colleague's thinking." Additionally, they ask openended questions. They help each colleague make sense of the world so they may plot eff ective action from their own unique perspective.

3. Eff ective leaders shine a light on fears and worries.

"Ineff ective leaders ignore the fears and worries of colleagues. They ignore the resistance. They hope it will go away. But it won't," shared Dr. Winters.

Eff ective leaders shine a light on fears and worries. They acknowledge the resistance and face it head-on. Then, they work with colleagues to fi gure out how together they might mitigate fears and worries as they move forward.

4. Eff ective leaders embody organizational values.

Ineff ective leaders speak of organizational values, but do the opposite. They promote teamwork but make decisions alone. They talk of respect but speak over colleagues. They champion stewardship but spend their way out of challenges. "Eff ective leaders embody organizational values. Their behaviors refl ect their values. They walk the talk, even when things are diffi cult," stated Dr. Winters, refl ecting what I also have seen lacking in the leaders that I coach.

Eff ective leadership isn't easy. It means putting aside your expertise, discovering discomfort, and facilitating the best in others. But those leaders who can bring out the best in others, bring out the best in their organizations. "These are the leaders who elevate exceptional organizations," said Dr. Winters.

https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/4-things-goodleaders-do-when-facing-obstacles-that-bad-leadersdont.html