Navigating Change with Collaborative Leadership: 6 Ways to Maximise Impact and Engagement
In today's competitive corporate environment, experienced leaders join an organization with the intention of driving impactful changes. However, their success or failure depends on the approach they adopt to introduce new ideas. Often, leaders who are specifically hired as "change agents" become disengaged or choose to leave when faced with resistance. Leadership IQ's research has shown that nearly half of newly hired executives fail within the first 18 months. To be successful, leaders must adopt a transformative approach that allows them to collaborate with others rather than simply crusading for their ideas. This shift in the leader's mental model can improve their chances of success and prevent them from alienating others.
In business today, the most successful leaders understand the importance of collaboration. As the world becomes more connected and the lines between departments blur, collaborating effectively is a necessary skill for anyone in a leadership position.
However, making the shift from a "crusader" mentality to a more collaborative leader can be a challenge, especially when it's not something you've ever done before.
Here are six strategies to help you become a more collaborative leader and how your peer network can support you in making these changes.
1. Focus on Shared Objectives: As a collaborative leader, it's important to get everyone on the same page. One way to do this is by establishing shared objectives. When everyone knows what the ultimate goal is, they can work together more effectively. To help with this, you may consider joining a peer network. Peers can provide feedback on objectives, offer additional perspectives, and support you as you work toward your goals.
2. Active Listening: Another essential trait of successful collaboration is active listening. When you're actively listening, you're not just hearing what your peers are saying, but you're also understanding where they're coming from. It's also important to remember that active listening isn't just about hearing words - it's about reading body language, tone of voice, and other non-verbal cues. By joining a peer network, you can practice active listening skills, receive feedback, and learn how to get the most out of every conversation.
3. Empathy: Empathy is important in any leadership role, but it's particularly crucial when it comes to collaboration. When you can understand your peers' perspectives, you'll be better equipped to make decisions that benefit everyone. Empathy also strengthens relationships among team members, fostering a work environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Joining a peer network can give you opportunities to practice empathy and receive feedback from your peers to help you improve your skills.
4. Transparency: As a collaborative leader, it's important to be transparent and honest about what's going on. When you're transparent, you're building trust among your peers and making it easier for everyone to work together. For example, if there's bad news to deliver, it's better to be upfront about it. By joining a peer network, you can receive feedback on how to communicate transparently and build trust with your team.
5. Active Team Building: Collaborative leaders should prioritize team-building activities. These activities help foster collaboration among team members, build trust, and encourage open communication. Whether it's a team-building retreat or a simple group lunch, investing in team-building is essential for any successful collaborative team. Peers in your network can offer suggestions and share experiences of team-building activities that they have found successful.
6. Celebrate Successes: When the team achieves a shared objective, take the time to celebrate that achievement. By acknowledging everyone's effort, your peers will feel valued and appreciated, which builds morale and helps foster a sense of community. Peer networks can offer congratulations and support and can help you learn from other success stories.
Collaboration is key to a successful team and essential for leaders to cultivate. It can be difficult to shift away from traditional methods of leadership to a more collaborative approach, but the benefits are clear. By honing in on the shared vision and goals, leaders can provide a clear path to achieving success for their team. By actively listening and practicing empathy, leaders can create a safe and inclusive environment where ideas and perspectives are valued. Transparency is essential to build trust and ensure everyone is on the same page. Team-building activities can help foster a sense of community and enhance collaboration. And last but not least, celebrating successes together can motivate and inspire the team to achieve even more.
Joining a peer network can provide valuable insights and support when it comes to building your skills as a collaborative leader. With dedication and practice, becoming a more collaborative leader is achievable, and the rewards are invaluable. If you would like to explore or join one of our groups, get in touch with us now.
