Leadership Need Not Be Lonely

by Jonathan Jones

They say it’s lonely at the top, and any honest leader will agree. Leaders have people around them, yet during tough times a true leader usually has to face the most difficult -- and unpopular -- decisions alone.

No leader enjoys instituting changes that negatively impact people’s lives. Yet sometimes firing an employee or changing an office policy or business strategy everyone is comfortable with is necessary to protect the company’sculture. Such decisions must occasionally be made in private to achieve maximum effectiveness can lead to suspicion among the ranks. Employees, unaware of the leader’s broader perspective, are very likely to question the leader’s motives.

So how does a leader avoid a sense of isolation?   

First, be clear with yourself. As a leader, you must fully understand the values by which you live personally and by which you make decisions for your organization. This consistency in values defines your leadership. A strong decision may put the leaders out ahead of their teams with an initial sense that nobody is following. However, with persistence, consistency and confidence, followers will in time catch up with leaders they trust.

Second, engage the people around you. Your job as a leader is to develop people on your team, so take steps to create an environment that encourages them to participate in finding solutions and making decisions.

Third, join a peer group.  Professional peer groups such as Vistage International and The Women Presidents Organization provide a trusting environment wherein a group of noncompeting company CEOs and presidents can share insights and lessons learned. Sharing experiences with others facing the same issues can also help you with the other two suggestions.  

Great leadership is enhanced by collaborating with people you trust.

Jonathan Jones (jonathan@jonathanjonesconsulting.com or 314-608-0783) owns Jonathan Jones Consulting.