There are so many lessons leaders learned during this never-ending pandemic. We learned that although we miss each other, we can work from anywhere. We upgraded our technology skills to connect more productively. We embraced the importance of checking in with each other to assure our teammates are mentally and physically healthy. We even learned more about one another’s crazy pets. But perhaps the greatest lesson of all, is that leaders learned the incredible need for flexibility in their workplaces.
Working with leaders these past couple of years has given me deep insight into the different choices they make in blending their professional and personal lives. No one size fits all when it comes to creating their best schedules and workflow. One leader may want to have breaks during midday and hop on to work later in the evening, while another leader needs to hold their nights open for personal time. A different leader may feel isolated and want to meet more in person with their team to build relationships while their team member thrives on working at home, where it is quieter than the noise in the office.
When we lead with flexibility, we build higher performing teams. Share on XThe power of adding flexibility to your leadership:
1. Recognizes The Uniqueness of Each Team Member
Leaders possess many different work styles as well as personalities. They each bring their unique set of skills and gifts to their work worlds. When they are flexible about how each team member shows up, they will be more likely fully present and focused when they do. That means we all need to stay openminded to people with different personal challenges and welcome diversity.
2. Develops Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Effective leaders know that a critical skill for success is being emotionally intelligent. When they are flexible, they grow their EQ by practicing ways to be:
- More self aware of their needs for flexibility.
- More understanding towards team members of their flexibility desires.
- Less judgmental when a teammate asks to work in their home office that day.
- In control of their emotions and are careful not to blurt out hurtful thoughts.
3. Cultivates Kinder and Highly Productive Teams
Imagine a team where flexibility is seen as an important leadership trait. In fact, being flexible is encouraged when dealing with people. What might that team look like? For one thing, a kinder and more compassionate way to interact may turn out to be the norm. But additionally, when team members treat each other with respect there will be greater collaboration and richer deliverables. Make no mistake about it. When teams encourage kindness and belonging, members rise to the occasion to fulfill the bigger vision.
4. Builds Leadership Skills
There are so many leadership skills that will emerge when leaders commit to becoming more flexible. A few of them might include:
- Stronger and clearer communication.
- Impactful delegation.
- Growing future leaders.
- Playing to the individual strengths of team members.
- Becoming more influential.
5. Results In A Culture of Positivity
Leaders that create teams that interact with each other with dignity, positivity and trust, centers around understanding one another. That profound way of connecting involves flexibility. If we lead with an eye to flexing to each other’s professional and personal needs, we will end up with trustworthy teams that lead with positive attitudes.
How have you added flexibility to your leadership?