The first few times you try to lead others, it can go almost any way. Some of your former colleagues may encourage you and cooperate with your instructions. Some may actively resist, while asking everyone else, ‘So, what happened to her?’ And the majority will passively resist, waiting to see how you behave when you are tested. Cooperation would be a good result at this stage - don’t expect collaboration.
This is all scary stuff, and may account for the reason why the word ‘Teamwork’ is so spoiled as to be almost useless. In the modern workplace it is used as an exhortation to try and perk up people who don’t naturally collaborate. And ‘Team’ seems to be the go-to descriptive noun for a group of workers who don’t actually see themselves that way. And won’t, without a bit of leadership.
So, the ability to control your emotions (Self Control) will certainly be useful in this situation. As will other EQ competencies like Self-Awareness, Self - Reliance and of course the Self-Confidence that won you the opportunity.
But leading others effectively will mean having your EQ skills on another level. Key among these is the ability to communicate in a different way. Trainers may teach you to improve your soft skills, but let me put this in plainer terms. A new leader will need to be straightforward. To communicate tasks, ideas and beliefs in a clear and open manner.
In my experience, the best way to begin to build support for action is to start by telling people very clearly why they are being asked to do it. If you can explain who will benefit from the task, you may see some heads begin to nod. Open a discussion about how best to approach it, and you’ll not only get suggestions … you’ll begin to build ownership. That’s very much better than just telling people what you want them to do!
Chris Harrison leads The Brand Inside
www.thebrandinsideafrica.com
