Team Leadership? How?
My team just returned from hosting a successful conference. We unveiled a new look for Everything DiSC, attendees got to have a sneak peak at our upcoming new product, Everything DiSC Work of Leaders, and we officially launched The 8 Dimensions of Leadership. Add in lots of fun networking, great breakout sessions, and a fun speaker, and you’ve got a successful event.
It’s probably no surprise that one of the key ingredients for hosting a successful event is strong leadership. But this was not a one-person leadership job. It was team leadership. Huh? When you think of leadership, do you think of a pyramid-style organization? You thought leadership was a one-person gig? I think not.
I expect executives to be strong leaders. It’s our job to set the strategy, provide guidance, and ensure that things get executed. In the case of this major annual event, it’s ultimately my responsibility to make it happen. And as a Pioneering Leader, my bold, passionate style helps me inspire others. But our event was successful because there were multiple leaders, each leading in his/her own style.
There was Clare, with her amazing sense of pulling everything together with her Affirming leadership style. Responsible for leading our communications efforts, Clare made sure everyone was on the same page and information was shared. She balanced her steady approach with a sense of a creating a positive, respectful environment.
Paying attention to both details and the fun factor was Kelsey, who used her Energizing Leadership style to make sure all the logistics were taken care of. New to her job, Kelsey had incredible enthusiasm with lots of ideas. She was able to take ideas and run with them.
As a Resolute leader, Jidana worked tirelessly behind the scenes creating new branding and managing the transition from one product line to another. Her high standards helped us get things done, and she was able to point out gaps and flaws so we could correct them prior to the conference.
Don’s Deliberate Leadership style kicked into gear as he took care of our all our AV and computer needs. From diagrams for room set-up to checklists for equipment and backup equipment, Don’s discipline of planning, checking, and double-checking ensured we had everything we needed to ensure our presentations could be seen and heard.
So when I think of leadership, I don’t think of a traditional top-down type of organization. I’m more into the matrix style, where we can tap into the leadership styles of a numerous people who contribute to the organization’s success. I am fortunate to be part of an organization that has the rare ability to function as a high-performing team.
We’d love to hear from you on the topic of team leadership – what do you believe are the advantages/disadvantages of this approach? Your success (or horror) stories are always welcome!
