Dr. Dharius Daniels, a cultural architect, spiritual leader, and trendsetter, reminds us that "You don't go as far as your dream. You go as far as your team."
A strong team can elevate our potential. A strong team can help us go further with less effort. As the popular African proverb says, "If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together."
Let Your Team Shine
We know that it's not just about having people around; it's about having the right people who challenge, support, and inspire us. The best, most inclusive leaders support their team by letting their lights shine.
Inclusive leaders prioritize singing their team’s praises over trying to compete or snuff out enthusiasm and initiative. If you don’t let those on your team shine, they will either find another place that will or allow themselves to dim, to the detriment of your goals. In short, consider that a team members lack of performance may be rooted more in your leadership style and priorities than their knowledge and ability.
It Starts With You
Think about it: Are you creating a safe, supportive environment for your team to grow? Are you creating an atmosphere where creativity and innovative is cultivated or are you spending more energy trying to compete with your own team?
Usually, it’s not our intention to stifle our team members, however this can be a habit that we don’t recognize unless we self-reflect. It can stem from insecurity, ego, or our inability to tap into an authentic leadership style in which we can feel comfortable.
In my experience, when I have praised my team for projects well done in public and private or coached other leaders to do the same, it creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. Confident team members produce better quality results. They also tend to feel safe, which seems to encourage them to offer more creative solutions.
This matters because as a recent Harvard Business Review article, What Makes an Inclusive Leader? noted, “Inclusive leaders prioritize authenticity and psychological safety, promoting an environment where people can express themselves freely.”
I share Dr. Daniels’ quote because he emphasizes self-optimization without self-destruction. This means building a team that not only complements our strengths but fills in our gaps. This is about not forgetting we are still a part of the team we’re leading. It means as a leader who strives to be inclusive, that we are always leveraging inclusivity.
The article goes on to share that when it comes to inclusive leadership skills, “inclusive traits like humility, curiosity, and empathy should be treated as critical leadership capabilities rather than simply desirable.” I would also add that empathy, humility, and curiosity should also be extended beyond your team and towards the clients and customers your team and organization are serving.
When Your Team Thrives, You Thrive
After managing, creating, and implementing numerous leadership programs and providing 1:1 leadership coaching to leaders - I've learned that leadership is not about being the smartest or more qualified leader, it’s about being a leader that empowers others to bring their best selves to the goals at hand.
If I could narrow this down to one sentence, it would be, “when your team thrives, so do you.”
So, remember, your team's strength is your strength.
✔️ What steps are you taking to build a stronger team?
✔️ When you meet 1:1 with your team members, are you asking for feedback on your own leadership?
✔️ Do you think your team feels safe enough to be honest with you?
Invite me to speak, preach, teach a class, or moderate a panel or fireside chat! Email me at SunstoneChapel@gmail.com
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