Leading While Uninspired - The Ultimate Test of Leadership
There are times in one’s career when they are either in a company or position that may not be ideal or no longer a match for you. This happens to all of us at some point in our adult work life, though not all of us are in a position of power or leadership when this occurs. If you are in this spot or if you are younger and aspiring to hold a leadership position here are a few tips to help you along the way.
Do not let your dissatisfaction out of the bag
Resist wearing your emotions on your sleeve in front of your direct reports, or at least in this circumstance. You do not want to create instability with your team by putting on a continuous negative display. You will want to hold your dissatisfaction close to your vest and only disclose to a trusted mentor, partner, or friend your frustrations. Leaders will want their team to focus on their jobs and careers and not their challenges.
Most of my job changes have been a surprise to most of the organizations that I left. I try to keep an outward steady appearance that is supportive of my team and their goals, which means not creating undue drama.
Find your vent to release the pressure!
Keeping your frustrations and dissatisfaction at bay and stifled publicly may be required you to blow off your built-up pressure. Have a trusted person(s) who can relate to your situation that is willing to let you unload. this is important as it will stop you from making decisions that could negatively impact your personal brand, lose the respect of your team or coworkers, and wind up leaving the company before you are ready with a secured next job.
The ‘STUFF’ rolls uphill, not downhill!
Make sure your gripes, complaints, grievances, or otherwise negative effect is rolled to the position above you and not below you. Your team will feel the weight of your issues and act in ways you may not want. You want stability in your team, not a negative echo chamber.
There are times when your team needs to hear your issues with a situation. That time is when they need to know that you are their advocate working on their behalf to make a situation more reasonable or position them to succeed. The issue of your comp or the layering of additional duties need not be a focus of their day-to-day.
Have an exit plan!
You do not want to go scorched earth or nuclear at the first moment you meet resistance, or something is happening you do not like or agree with. Yes, squeaky wheels get oil, though, they also get a reputation. Organizations will not tolerate over neediness, crying wolf, or overly negative staff. You are replaceable. So, when you start to roll your ‘stuff’ uphill make sure you are prepared for your boss or organization to cut ties with you. This means you will need to replace your income and benefits and depending on the market and your industry may not be that easy.
If you are uninspired and wish to move on, then look at your options. but consider this exit plan likely will be permanent and the grass may not be greener, or you may find the same frustrations (then it just may be your issues and not who you are working for). you may contractually be bound to time limits or other restrictions on who you can and cannot talk to. You may be giving up a bonus or paid time off that will reset once you leave. There is a lot to consider but you must also think of your team in your exit plan.
How will your team respond? Will they be left better than when you got them? Did you make sure a career path you charted with them, or future promotion is logged with HR and will not be abandoned? Do you know who will be your replacement and are they prepared to take the helm? Your team will personally respect you for doing your job until the very end. Sets an example they can learn from.
Final Thoughts
This is just a few things to consider when your facing adversity or uninspired and have people in your charge. A leader will lead no matter the circumstances an effective leader will try to inspire in otherwise uninspiring times. Buckle down and fix your challenges at your organization or formulate an exit plan, but by no means should you be a negative influence on your team.