Setting Direction as a Leader: Pointing, Showing, and Clearing the Way

Photo by Hendrik Morkel on Unsplash

I was promoted to my first team leadership role when I was 26. It was a new team of people for me, and it was also a unique setting. The team was a little beat up emotionally, and I was the third leader in five years. They longed for some stability, a sense of hope, and a pathway to follow. I needed to figure out where to begin. I took some time and did a series of interviews. I talked to former staff, some former leaders, and former audience members we sought to influence. I also spent considerable time with each current team member to understand their gifts, experiences, and dreams. I knew our national organization's culture and values. I knew what my boss expected of me. Over time, a clear direction and strategy began to emerge. I conveyed a clear pathway to the team. But I knew if a sense of stability and hope were to be injected into the equation, it would take more than words. It would require some modeling and sponsorship. From small beginnings, a movement was birthed; to this day, that was one of my favorite teams. We grew through hard work and a lot of trial and error. And we bonded around relationships, shared work, and a good dose of fun.

I learned some things in those early years of leadership that have stuck with me at a principle level. The skill of direction setting is multifaceted. It is more than a verbal task depending on eloquent words and a motivating vision. It requires more if it is going to be embraced by a team and seen all the way through to reality. Put another way, effective leadership involves more than just giving orders; it requires setting a clear direction for the team and providing the necessary guidance and support. Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the path ahead, and their success hinges on their ability to point the way, show the way, and clear the way for their teams.

Pointing the Way:

Pointing the way as a leader involves establishing and communicating a clear vision to the team. Communicating vision requires a deep understanding of the organization's goals, values, and the larger context in which it operates. It also involves contextualizing the organization's goals to the unique setting in which that team exists. Leaders must articulate a compelling vision that inspires and motivates their team members. A well-defined direction is a compass, aligning the team's efforts toward a common goal. Effective communication is vital when pointing the way. Leaders should be transparent and honest about what is in front of the team, sharing information and listening all along the way. This type of transparency and honesty fosters trust and ensures that team members are well-informed, creating a sense of purpose and direction.

Showing the Way:

Once the direction is communicated, leaders must actively demonstrate the behaviors and values expected from their team. Showing the way involves leading by example and embodying the principles and work ethic they want to see in their team members. This modeling not only establishes credibility but also sets a standard for excellence. Leaders should be accessible and approachable, fostering an open environment where team members feel comfortable seeking guidance. By being actively involved in day-to-day activities, leaders can provide real-time feedback, share insights, and address challenges as they arise. This hands-on approach creates a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, reinforcing the direction set by the leader.

Clearing the Way:

Setting direction also involves removing obstacles and creating an environment conducive to success. Leaders must identify and eliminate roadblocks that hinder procedural, interpersonal, or organizational progress. Clearing the way requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to creating a supportive and empowering work culture. Leaders can empower their teams by providing the necessary resources, training, and tools to overcome challenges. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, leaders create a space where team members feel confident in their abilities and are motivated to contribute their best. They know the leader will do what it takes to give them their best opportunity for success.

Conclusion:

Setting direction as a leader is a multifaceted responsibility encompassing pointing the way, showing the way, and clearing the way. A successful leader articulates a compelling vision and actively demonstrates the behaviors, values, and problem-solving efforts that define that vision. By creating an environment of trust, transparency, and support, leaders pave the way for their teams to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the organization's goals. This environment will also create a powerful camaraderie to fuel team growth and leave a lasting memory.

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