Can’t Remember all the Details? No Problem - Here’s Why

#leadership #collaboration

Leadership can sometimes feel like a huge responsibility. It can be an overwhelming thing to take on and be successful at.

But as I reflect back over the years and my own leadership growth and development, the more I realize and learn that there are many different kinds of leaders and many different leadership skills. One doesn’t need to possess all the different leadership capabilities to be an effective leader. One also does not have to be all knowing or demonstrate all leadership abilities all the time.

Over the years I’ve discovered and learned more about my own leadership skills. I’ve also built on and added to my leadership knowledge. In doing this learning and self-reflection, I’ve realized there are leadership skills and abilities I’m good at and that match my strengths, knowledge, and interests. There are other leadership skills, however, that are not necessarily aligned with my strengths and abilities.

I’m a big picture, vision, and value-driven leader. I’m one of those leaders that tries to be forward looking and can idealize other possibilities. I like to dream and hold out what is possible and be aspirational in my desire to work toward long-term goals and solutions. And I like to create hope and inspire others to work toward a vision. I try to uphold the belief that maybe there is a better way and that change can be transformational. I’m drawn to system-level work, and am inspired to see the connections and possibilities of how things could be.

However, I’m not as great at all the details. Honestly, half the details don’t even occur to me. I’m so impressed by those who can take the big idea and run with it. I know people who can figure out every step and every single detail along the way. They break big ideas down into action items and specific tasks, or even specific concrete things that need to be ordered, purchased, done, or implemented. It doesn't’ even occur to me to bring the snacks to a meeting…..

Leadership is a balance of bringing one’s own strengths and supporting others strengths. It is about surrounding oneself with others who complement our own skills and abilities. This collective and shared leadership approach in the end is much more effective. Much of the work for all kinds of projects require a lot of different ideas, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Find others who bring complementary strengths. Support others taking leadership on and adding their strengths to the work.

It's a lot like baking a pie. You can't make it with just flour. You need the other ingredients and each ingredient has its purpose to reach the end result. And the details are in there because if you don't follow the instructions or use the right amounts of the ingredients the pie doesn't come out very well (hence why I don't bake much - too many details :o). It may even benefit from adding something extra or something you didn't initially think of - like ice cream.

You don’t have to go it alone. Leadership and life can be about balancing or blending our skills and knowledge with others. We don’t have to be all knowing or have every possible leadership skill to be successful or make a difference. Collaboratively together, we can work for change and accomplish great things.

For more on collaborative leadership, see Fiona's book - Building Together: Collaborative Leadership in Early Childhood Systems.

#leadership #collaboration