LEADERSHIP
Leaders who become cognizant of themselves in the "Self" section (UL) will observe their team more easily and realize that the value they provide to them has increased. The first step is obtaining self-knowledge. After completing the most difficult step of self-reconciliation, you will approach your team with confidence and inclusivity.
A person's language and attitude give clues about which quadrant they use the most. Language is an authentic reflection of the way a person sees themselves, others and the world as well as the way they form relationships. Leaders who attach importance to this point will easily understand which quadrant they and others lean toward by recognizing the language used, and perspective held by themselves and others.
Let's look at a scenario to show the difference and give more detail; In this scenario, a group of four was requested to work on a project and it's their first meeting. Each started by saying a few words about being a member of the team and the project. These are their comments:
The person from the Upper Left (UL): "I'm really excited to work on this project and to have creative freedom. The most important point for me in this project is to be given a space where I can easily express my ideas and thoughts."
The person from the Upper Right (UR): "I feel very energized to be a part of such a challenging project where I can show my full performance. There's a lot of work to do and so little time! Let's dig in, learn what we need to do then start right away. I'll prepare an action plan and write our to-do list."
The person from the Lower Left (LL): "We all come from very different backgrounds and have unique talents so I can understand why the four of us were chosen for this project. It is vital for us to be on the same page and that we set a common purpose."
The person from the Lower Right (LR): "Although we have limited time, the result will better affect our core business infrastructure. Our starting point should be to establish the structure that will lead us to our goals and to clarify the rules that we will all follow."
These may be typical opening comments from four people in a meeting. Each comment shows the different objectives they have and reflects which quadrant they use more heavily. I think this will be a good point to take a look at the quadrant which affects each person's perspective, and the lens or filter with which they see themselves and their surroundings.
If we elaborate these approaches, we can come to understand the perspectives of leaders, teams, and organizations by their language and attitude. Then by including the less used areas, we can create the whole.
While the given example reflects what four people with different quadrant orientations may say, the quadrant an individual leans toward builds the landscape they see and hear at all times. This landscape is directly related to themselves, others and their surroundings. Imagine if a leader who sees the whole picture is able to analyze these ideas, perspectives, and methods at every meeting and step. Wouldn't it be wonderful?
Speaking of inter-team relationships, we all know that it's becoming harder to increase performance and improve motivation with the expectation of immediate results and city life coupled with ever increasing stress levels.
It's quite complicated to motivate teams during these times of crisis when they're so focused inward, and yet it's all the more critical. It's paramount that you stand by your team and instead of seeing them as workhorses, remind them that you're also a human being. I believe it's very valuable to communicate these concepts through your actions.
35 | BIZPRENEUR MIDDLE EAST April 2021