To support our teams via servant leadership, we clearly communicate, provide the best environment, and remove obstacles to let our teams do what they do best….. we let them shine and celebrate how brightly. That takes trust in both directions, the team trusts we’ve actually cleared what’s in their way, and we trust them to take it from there without us hovering.
We’re here for the team. Not the other way around. It’s not a title we hold over people. It’s a responsibility we carry for them. The key is knowing which part of that role the moment calls for.
Part of that is staying ahead of the team. What does that mean?
- Where’s the friction about to show up
- What decisions are approaching, and is the team prepared to make them
- What information does the team need to be aware of
- Have we identified any capability gaps that we can prepare for ahead of time
Clearing the path and fortifying the team ahead of time, leads to seamless execution.
But part of it is staying right next to them too. What does that look like?
- We show up when they need us, not just when we happen to notice
- We have their back, in the room and out of it
- We coach, we guide, we help them find their own way through it
That’s the balance.
Ahead of them when they need the path cleared, beside them when they need the support.
How do we know which one a moment needs?
Usually it’s not a mystery, it’s just up to us to stay engaged enough to recognize it. Confusion about a decision, hesitation before a hard conversation, a project that’s stalling for no clear reason….. those are signals we’re needed ahead of them, clearing something before it becomes a bigger problem. When the work itself is hard but the direction is already clear, that’s usually when staying beside them matters more, showing up, not solving it for them. With ongoing personal engagement, we keep nurturing, guiding, and improving together, because no matter how brightly we shine as a team, we keep getting brighter.
Keep it small, keep it simple. Clear the path, let the team walk it, and be ready to join them when needed.