Leadership within the workplace is all about precise balance. Consider carefully pouring a glass of champagne. You want just enough to fill the glass, but too much can be disastrous. The drink can bubble up and overflow, spilling out everywhere. Similarly, too much leadership can cause unrest and resentment in the corporate environment. It can make employees feel like they are being held on a tight leash, not able to make decisions for themselves. Such an environment can lead to a lack of motivation for employees, as they are not being made to feel that their input is of value. What’s the ultimate consequence of too much leadership? Potentially, you can be facing lowered productivity levels and decreased performance.
Consider if you were about to pour a glass of champagne for yourself at a party. What would your desired results of drinking the beverage be? Likely, you want to drink just enough to experience that warm, toasty feeling. That precise amount can make you feel calm and relaxed. On the other hand, if you drink too much champagne you can end up getting sick or waking up with a hangover the next day. If you drink too little, you won’t be getting the desired effect you’re looking for.
Jean Chalopin an investor and entrepreneur said, “In order for leadership to be effective, you need to find that perfect balance in order to get the desired effect. The first step is determining what you want to accomplish.” In the corporate environment, you’re probably looking to motivate your employees to put forth their best effort. The best way to do that is to practice effective communication. Make it clear what your expectations are for your employee, and be sure to give them regular updates regarding how they are doing.
Many supervisors make the mistake of only checking in with their employees when their performance is unsatisfactory or when they’re doing something wrong. This is a sure way to create employee burnout and lowered motivation, as they are being given the impression that they can’t succeed.
Studies show that when an employee is encouraged and praised, they experience a rise in motivation. They work faster and harder, accomplishing more. In addition, it is important to assure them that the work they are doing is important and an essential part of the success of the business as a whole.
Keep in mind that too little leadership can have the opposite effect. Leadership is necessary to keep things running smoothly. When effective leadership is not present, disorganization and chaos can happen. Productivity levels plummet and an entire business can fall apart. Again, envision the champagne glass being overfilled, the liquid bubbling up and overflowing everywhere causing a huge mess.
The amount of leadership necessary varies from company to company and is also dependent on the employees themselves. Some may need more leadership than others in order to stay on track. The most important thing to figure out is what that perfect balance is that works for you and maintain that balance.
Disclaimer: The author of this text, Robin Trehan, has an Undergraduate degree in economics, Masters in international business and finance and MBA in electronic business. Trehan is Senior VP at Deltec International www.deltecbank.com. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this text are solely the views of the author, and not necessarily reflecting the views of Deltec International Group, its subsidiaries and/or employees.
About Deltec Bank
Headquartered in The Bahamas, Deltec is an independent financial services group that delivers bespoke solutions to meet clients’ unique needs. The Deltec group of companies includes Deltec Bank & Trust Limited, Deltec Fund Services Limited, and Deltec Investment Advisers Limited, Deltec Securities Ltd. and Long Cay Captive Management.
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