It’s lonely at the top! Leaders are often surrounded by people yet feel alone in their thoughts, challenges and dreams. As a leader in your organization, do you ever feel that way? Well you’re not alone! Leaders everywhere struggle with the reality of this issue. Isolation is truly epidemic within organizations, churches and even families due to a lack of authenticity. All leaders need some authentic engagement or their influence will suffer. So, what can you do today? Here are Seven Engagement Strategies to help end your isolation.
Strategy #1—Rebuild Team Trust
Broken trust will kill the conversation. The health of your conversation will clearly define the health of the relationship. It is far too common once trust is broken for a leader make an inner vow that declares, “I will never trust like that again.” Whether the context is personal or professional the vow remains. There’s a fundamental question that has to be answered in a situation where trust is been compromised. Can trust be rebuilt? I have facilitated many team sessions and consistently see the answer is split down the middle. There’s a belief that says once it’s broken it can never be repaired. I encourage leaders to believe that while it takes time, trust can be restored and rebuilt. What’s your answer to this question? For your answer will determine how lonely you will be as a leader.
Strategy #2—Create a Culture of Authenticity
Culture reflects the spirit and values of the organization. Culture is borne by the actions, strength, health and clarity of the leader. People are looking for authenticity in shared values and consistency of your actions with your stated values. Authentic leaders attract great people who will do the same. Start today sharing more of what matters most to you. You are the banner carrier of the culture. The way you lead and coach your team will permeate the organization. When you do communicate with your team, share stories that illustrate what values reflect your core beliefs and insights into your actions. Your story will invite your team to tell their story. Environments that provide open conversation will build a great culture. Then you’ll find connecting points with your team beyond just the bottom line.
Strategy #3—Seek Objective Counsel
Leaders get pulled in many directions. They have a lot of voices in their life. Some of the primary voices of influence are the leader’s direct reports, management team or even the board of directors. They are team members, yet the demands of their roles and responsibilities limit their objectivity. Finding constructive feedback and good counsel can be challenging. Motives are quickly revealed that cross the line of serving their interests above your own or the good of the organization. Where do you go to find objective feedback? It may take time, but there is someone within your circles of relationships who is available, competent and trustworthy. Objectivity helps minimize confusion and clarifies the needs of the leader and team. Engage by finding someone who has nothing to gain or lose from an issue. Learning from their wisdom and experience will help you gain confidence in leading your team.
Strategy #4—Align Your Interests, Hobbies and Passions With a Community
Leaders are busy! Often, the tyranny of urgent tasks creates reactive habits in our work life. Reactive work leaves little margin for proactive strategic thinking and actions. When we finally pause to catch our breath after a demanding project or near an impossible year-end goal, we’re exhausted. It’s a pattern that may go on for months or even years. Your zest for life may be sucked dry and may have you feeling alone. Can you relate? If so, I encourage you to rekindle that inner or soul fire by reminding yourself of what you love to do outside of work. If you’re too far removed from the answer, then ask a few people who have insight to your life, “When do you see me smile the most?” It’s a great question to ask friends and families to help identify what makes you come alive. Identify your interests, hobbies and passions. Then call a few friends, plan a time to build some memories, and have some fun. Investing into and refreshing yourself may bring that smile back to the surface again.
