Ruth:
What does leading mean to you? Should leaders care about who they are leading as compared to reaching the objective by whatever means, why or why not?
Friend 1:
What does leading mean to you? Leading, to me, is about guiding and inspiring others to work towards a common goal. It’s not just about telling people what to do but helping them grow and feel important. A good leader listens and adjusts, making sure everyone feels like they matter.
Should leaders care about who they are leading as compared to reaching the objective by whatever means, why or why not? Yes, leaders should care about their team. If a leader only focuses on goals and forgets about the people, it can lead to burnout and a bad work environment. When leaders care about their team, people feel valued and are more likely to stay motivated and loyal, which helps in achieving long-term success. Happy and appreciated team members work better together.
Friend 2:
What does leading mean to you? Leading means helping others reach their best while working towards shared goals. It’s about being honest and understanding, making choices that balance the group's needs with the job's requirements. A true leader serves the team and steers them in the right direction.
Should leaders care about who they are leading as compared to reaching the objective by whatever means, why or why not? Absolutely, leaders should care about their people. Chasing goals at any cost might work short-term but can harm relationships and trust. A leader who invests in their team creates a positive and productive atmosphere. By showing real care for the team, leaders can achieve goals more effectively because a happy team is a hardworking team.
Ruth:
I agree, but sometimes I feel like I care too much about the people I am leading, to the point where I almost lose sight of the main objectives. So how do I care without deterring the team from meeting its objectives?
Friend 1:
I get what you’re saying. It’s tough to balance being supportive and getting things done. Here’s what helps me:
Clear Goals: Make sure everyone knows what you’re all working towards. It keeps everyone focused.
Check-ins: Regularly touch base with your team to see how they’re doing and if they’re on track.
Accountability: Support your team but also make sure they’re responsible for their tasks.
Friend 2:
I agree. It’s important to find that middle ground. Here’s my take:
Communication: Keep talking with your team. Let them know they can come to you with any issues, and you’ll figure it out together.
Balance Feedback: Give praise for their efforts but also offer constructive feedback to keep them aligned with the goals.
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