“We” is a simple, two-letter word. Yet, it is one of the most powerful in any leader’s communication toolbox. “We built this company.” “We are our clients’ second home.” “We provide the perfect blend of people and technology.” An organization is more than a logo and strapline; it is an evolving entity comprised by a group of people with a shared purpose—a “we.”
See what I mean? Compare it to the following: “I built this company.” “It’s my decision.” “They are my clients.” This me-focused language smacks of egotism and individualism. I am not saying there is not a time to use “I.” The distinction is that as a leader, you are not alone, you cannot lead alone and business is not just about you and your abilities.
By its very definition, leadership is a team effort. If you are leading, or think you are, yet no one is following, then you are simply going for a walk on your own, aren’t you? We talk about what makes great leaders all the time. We name characteristics, skills and credentials ranging from the blatant to the unexpected. However, I believe we should tip this idea on its head. After all, instead of looking for great individuals, should we not be looking for a great team?
You are not the company.
From my perspective, a great team is the most credible and logical indicator of a great leader. Today’s leaders are those who will take us into the future with them. To do this, they get the most out of people by enabling them to realize their full potential.
One of the many books that have inspired me on my path to date is Good to Greatby Jim Collins. Collins describes the “hedgehog concept” and uses case studies to showcase what separates good businesses from the exceptional based on their market performance. A key takeaway is that being a great leader requires humility. As a leader, you can’t think you are better than anybody else; you must understand that your company is far bigger than you and your ego. This is the key to the transformation.
Instead of having a self-important mission statement, I believe you need to have an authentic understanding of what your company and team can be the best at and focus on achieving it. This will help you truly understand what is important in taking your business forward. Then, you can harness it and create a sustainable and profitable legacy. It is less about you being great and more about becoming the best you can be and encouraging others to achieve the same.
Be the best that you can be.
Leadership is a team effort; we have established that. A team is made up of individuals. Each one brings unique perspectives, experiences and values to the team. Before you build the team, you need to see and appreciate the individual’s full potential by fostering their uniqueness and seeing the opportunities they bring.
Leaders should take an interest in their employees as individuals and push and enable them to realize their full potential. They don’t brainwash workers into toeing the party line; they encourage them to have their own opinions and ways of thinking, and they put their teams in situations and environments where they will shine.
To do this in your own company, ensure your employees are supported and surrounded by other team members who will strengthen and challenge them—others who are on their path to realizing their potential as well. Build an environment that allows everyone to grow, learn and evolve through the collaborative successes and failures of the team.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
This somewhat corny phrase has been around for eons. The second part of it, however, is less known. Often attributed to leadership expert John Maxwell, the full quote is, “Teamwork makes the dream work, but a vision becomes a nightmare when the leader has a big dream and a bad team.”
Creating a dream team is something all CEOs aim to achieve. In harnessing the power of “we,” however, it is not a dream at the senior management level; it is a reality that should be reflected at every level throughout an organization.
When you work in a team that just clicks, you know how great it feels to achieve amazing results with a group that’s a pleasure to work with. Take this single team and replicate it into every aspect of your business, and just think about what can be achieved. If every individual is enabled to achieve their full potential and they have the structures and people around them to achieve it, then you will have an organization full of high-performing, highly motivated teams. The possibilities of what you can achieve together are limitless.
Forbes
