Domain 6: Management | Follow the Leader
Posted by Communications2 on Dec. 27, 2022 / Member Resource / Subscribe 0
Follow the Leader: A True Leader Knows How and When to Follow
Written by Cynthia Re’Mine | Associate & Director, Marketing & Business Development | Reaveley Engineers
In my first stint as a marketing manager/director, I found it much easier to lead than enable others around me to lead, specifically those who reported to me. After all, wasn't it my charge to share the vision, rally the team, and be "the leader" who grants permission to use resources to move forward on an initiative? At first glance, I knew what needed to be done, roughly how much time it would take to accomplish the goal, and who was best at each task along the timeline. However, I soon found it was only "easier" on the surface. Sure, it takes more effort at first—to teach others and allow your team to lead, the grace to make a few mistakes, and learn from those mistakes. But over time, it's a huge time-saver and team builder.
Isn’t it a little boring to have one leadership style for every project your department delivers? We falsely believe we can do everything well because we grew our careers learning to do it all in various positions. But things change; technology, processes, people, and how you learned to do something 20 years ago may not be as relevant today. Authentic leadership is born by learning to follow others. A task I admit I sometimes still find challenging. I sometimes find myself apologizing for overstepping my role on the team. However, the more you allow those around you to lead, the more comfortable you are, and the more you learn about being a better leader of people. It also has the added benefit of creating true loyalty to you and your firm.
Everyone has leadership abilities to be nurtured and grown. Taking time off while knowing your team has things covered is undoubtedly nice. If you're still operating in a traditional hierarchy, you're hindering leadership development in those around you and limiting your ability to lead effectively. If you aren't sharing leadership with your team, they may see you as a micro-manager who doesn't want others' help, and they've stopped giving. I think they call it "quiet quitting" these days. When micro-managers try to muster support, their lack of confidence results in dragging the team to a goal rather than a full-on press to the finish line.
Do you remember the first time your boss allowed you to deliver the hook, give a presentation, or lead a project? There was that pride and exhilaration that you were entrusted to deliver the part well, and never once did you believe you couldn't do it. Watching those around you grow, flourish, and ultimately succeed is the most rewarding experience for me, both personally and professionally. Years ago, I read a book by Steve Farber, Greater Than Yourself: The Ultimate Lesson of True Leadership. For me, it was both powerful and inspiring. He shares how a genuine leader helps others (your staff, boss, coworker, friends, colleagues, etc.) become more "capable, confident, and accomplished than they are" and greater and better than yourself. By helping those around you succeed, they reciprocate naturally, and you rise together.
Create opportunities for every person on your marketing team to lead, then willingly enable them to take the reins. Leading boosts their confidence and productivity. Demonstrate your confidence in each to do a good job. By consciously choosing to follow more often, your team is more creative, independent, and organically enthusiastic about helping you and your firm succeed. And don't worry if you teach them so well that they leave for their own leadership opportunity with another firm. The loyalty you've built runs deep. You'll find you have a small army of advocates who will help you find your next great hire.
Motivational marketing guru Cynthia Re'Mine is a firm Associate and leads the marketing and business development efforts for Reaveley Engineers in Salt Lake City, Utah. She mentors with passion, guiding those around her to amplify their leadership and confidence to make a meaningful impact on their firms. With over 25 years of experience marketing in the AEC industry, she's a valuable resource for building a loyal team.
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