There is more to being a leader than making the decisions and telling everyone what to do. Neither of those things make you a leader or mean you are leading. They’re not even the most important parts.
Leadership is a responsibility, not only to the job you are doing, but to the people who are doing it with you. In an earlier entry, I said “Their success is your success.” You equip them. You give necessary guidance. You give them space to own their role. You hold them accountable. You see to it they are fully able to do what you need them to do.
So, what happens when there’s a sudden change in plans or things don’t come together in a timely way?
Your people are your most important resource. Regardless of how or why things aren’t happening, your primary responsibility is to take care of your people. What does that mean?
YOU take the hit.
Don’t ask your team to fall on their swords for you, particularly if you aren’t willing to do it yourself. Make the decision. Get the job done. Protect your people’s energy and commitment. Take responsibility.
There will be another day for everything to be all right… unless your team thinks you’ll throw them under the bus to save your own skin. Protect your team.
