Imagine leading a team where every decision becomes a contest of wills, where the urge to be right overshadows the collective goal. In the nuanced world of leadership, there’s a fine line between standing your ground and guiding the team towards a shared outcome. It’s a line that defines the difference between fleeting victories and lasting success.
The Right vs Effective Dilemma
We’ve touched on the toipcs of resilience and honesty before, two cardinal virtues of leadership. Another essential aspect is discerning the difference between being right and being effective.
Many of us prize being right. And why not? It’s rewarding and boosts our ego. But when every disagreement becomes a battleground, the team’s overarching objective or goal can get lost in the fray.
Leadership isn’t a game of checkers, where every move is linear. It’s chess, where strategy and foresight lead to victory. Being right wins the argument, but being effective wins the game. In leadership, the game is about uniting people, building relationships, and achieving shared goals.
The Price of Being Right
There’s a toll to pay for every victory in the quest to be right. Colleagues become adversaries. Walls replace bridges. The short-lived glow of being correct can have long-term implications. It’s essential to reflect: Was it worth it?
Being right might grant short-term gains, but it risks undermining long-term success. People thrive when they feel valued, not when they’re constantly corrected.
Effective Leadership: The Bigger Picture
Irrespective of the industry you work in, your success will often come down to your ability to mobilise people towards a shared goal. Leaders are primarily paid to be effective, to steer the ship through stormy waters, and to ensure that every team member is rowing in harmony. If being right aids this, great. If it hinders, it’s time to reconsider.
Consider a shift in perspective: Instead of focusing on minor wins, zero in on the grand prize. Sometimes this might involve bending slightly, even conceding ground on small matters. But these small concessions are trivial when weighed against the triumphs that effective leadership can secure for you.
As you continue on your leadership journey, evaluate your motivations. Are you seeking short-lived victories or playing the long game? Leadership is about influence and effectiveness. Prioritise collective success over personal validation, and you’ll achieve much more meaningful outcomes.
This is much easier said than done, but if you can start to shift your mindset towards this approach – even with the odd relapse – you’ll be amazed at the progress you can make.