The Urgency of Leadership: Unraveling the 'Why' Behind the Rush
It's 4:30 on a Friday, and you're just about to wrap up for the week. Suddenly, an email from your boss lands in your inbox with the subject line "URGENT - Need this by EOD." Your heart sinks. Another weekend ruined.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: this kind of behavior is unacceptable. Leaders shouldn't demand the unreasonable, like getting something done over the weekend. That's your time. They don't pay you to work weekends. If you choose to work the weekend, that's your call. And if your leader isn't over the moon appreciative of that effort, they're not a solid leader.
But let's also acknowledge the reality: we've all been there, scrambling to meet last-minute deadlines, feeling the pressure of a boss who seems perpetually in a rush. Have you ever stopped to wonder why leaders have this constant sense of urgency?
It's not just about them being busy; it's about accountability.
Leaders, whether they're CEOs or team managers, have targets on their backs that you might not see. It could be revenue goals, performance metrics, or project deadlines. Their success, and often their job security, is tied to these targets. And the pressure can be intense.
But here's the thing: their success depends heavily on their team. True leaders understand this dynamic. They know that to achieve those goals, they need their team firing on all cylinders. They need everyone aligned, motivated, and working towards a shared objective.
That's where the sense of urgency comes from. It's not about creating a stressful environment, it's about driving towards a common goal with passion and purpose. It's about inspiring the team to reach their full potential and achieve extraordinary results.
Transparency: The Key to Shared Success
The best leaders don't keep their teams in the dark. They share the big picture, foster a sense of collective ownership, and make sure everyone gets recognized for their contributions. They create an environment where everyone understands the 'why' behind the 'what.'
This transparency is crucial for building trust and engagement. When team members understand the company's goals and how their work contributes to the bigger picture, they're more likely to be motivated and invested in their roles.
Ever-boarding: A Path to Alignment and Purpose
Remember my previous blog post on using Jira Goals to align your teams? That's a powerful tool, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. Cultivating a culture of open communication and collaboration is essential.
That's where the concept of "ever-boarding" comes in. It's about taking the time to routinely align and engage your teams, even if it's just once a year. It's a chance to:
Re-establish Shared Goals: Remind everyone of the big picture and how their individual work contributes.
Reignite Passion: Foster a sense of purpose and belonging, reminding everyone why their work matters
Re-energize the Team: Set the course for the future, creating excitement and momentum.
Ever-boarding isn't about slowing down to a crawl; it's about creating moments of clarity and connection amidst the chaos. It helps ensure everyone is rowing in the same direction, with a shared understanding of the destination and the path to get there.
When Urgency Becomes Confusion
If you're feeling lost in the whirlwind of urgency, it's probably because your leaders aren't sharing the necessary details.
You might not know what the overall goals are, leaving you feeling directionless.
You might not understand how your work contributes to the bigger picture, making it hard to feel motivated.
You might not feel appreciated for your efforts, leading to resentment and disengagement.
This lack of transparency can create a disconnect between leaders and their teams, hindering progress and stifling innovation.
The Path to True Leadership
True leadership isn't about barking orders and expecting blind obedience. It's about transparency, communication, and shared goals. It's about empowering your team, providing them with the context they need to succeed, and recognizing their contributions along the way.
So, the next time you see your boss in a rush, remember, they're not just being busy. They're carrying the weight of responsibility and striving for collective success. And if you're feeling left out of the loop, don't hesitate to ask for clarity. A good leader will be happy to share the big picture and help you understand how you fit into it.
Remember, we're all in this together. When everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal, that's when the magic happens. That's when teams achieve extraordinary results, overcome challenges, and build a company that thrives.
