A number of years ago our family took a vacation on the East Coast. We laughed, cried, and learned while facing and overcoming challenges together. All that, while enjoying a considerable amount of exciting U.S. history.
TEAMS FACE CHALLENGES
One of the challenges we faced was packing up our seriously overloaded van to move from our Williamsburg campsite to a campsite near Washington D.C. I was more intent on van packing rather than leading people. Not great leadership. A fun time was not had by all (Mama ain’t happy, daddy ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy). You get the picture. Maybe you can even say, “been there, done that.”
But when I stepped back and decided to involve the packers in the process, paying attention to and affirming the contributions of those involved and actively helping foster healthy attitudes, the relational landscape changed immediately.
As I reflect upon that experience, one thing very clear to me is that the strength of my relationships with my team (or family) members is the key to my effectiveness as a leader. Otherwise I create an effective mess. When I concentrate first and foremost on relationships, things flow more smoothly and the desired outcome is achieved in a much better, and more enjoyable, fashion.
Images Created By Charles Willson Peale
A FORK IN THE ROAD
All along the way Lewis and Clark made decisions that involved significant risks. At one point on the journey they had to choose between two paths with no option of turning back once the choice was made. After thorough investigation involving the members of the Corps, Lewis and Clark made the decision to go “left.”
The entire Corps vehemently disagreed with them, but once the decision was made they marched as one unit in the stated direction, without dissent or mutiny. What prompted this incredible loyalty from their team, without which they would have never accomplished their mission?
BUILDING A LOYAL TEAM
In reflecting on this event Stephen Ambrose, the author of “Undaunted Courage,” points out that one of the main factors that contributed to the loyal “followership” of the Corps was the fact that every man in the Corps knew that Lewis and Clark cared about them personally and would never do anything to unnecessarily endanger them. They had developed a strong relationship that endured a significant trial.
WHAT’S NEXT?
In next week’s blog post we’ll look at the first key – How relationships are developed through daily conversations.
Question: How has a leader invested in a relationship with you that made a difference in your life or career? Share your answer on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
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