worst leader is always looking upward and thinking, “How do I impress my boss?” This type of leader is all too common. “Dime-a-dozen” managers who are administrators and not leaders.
But don’t leave leadership to those who have fancy titles. We can all be leaders at different times and situations. Challenge the status quo. Look for opportunities to improve.
Demonstrate the leadership qualities and people will follow you, in whatever your endeavour.
I have been fortunate to be the ‘team leader’ of several autonomous teams. Teams where the members performed like a well-oiled machine, and I was able to oversee works. I provided advice and assistance where I added value, but generally kept out of their
way. They ran the day-to-day operations, and made key decisions.
Such situations do not happen by chance. A good leader must make it happen. To do this, the leader must begin by applying the ‘Delegate and
Support’ style of management. “I would like you to do this, this is the objective. It is up to you as to how you want to achieve it. I am here to bounce ideas off. I will take responsibility for any issues. You just need to do your best.”
My confidence was high in their ability to step up to performing ‘stretch’ tasks. Activities that were new to them, but that they would capable of doing with a little stretch. I trusted that they could do the work, and that if they did have any concerns, they would come to me early to resolve the matter. There was never anything wrong with them asking for help.
As a result of this extensive experience, Gary has accumulated a wealth of knowledge, that he felt the need to share. Lessons learnt over the years, have been condensed into this book. The good, the bad and the ugly of a much misunderstood and maligned discipline, which continues to be essential for all organisations, in order to remain resilient, and to grow.
He can be contacted at [email protected]
Gary runs his own Service Management consultancy business – SM4ALL Services (Service Management for All Services – www.SM4ALL.com.au). He has performed and consulted in Service Management, primarily Change Management, for organisations, large and small, for over twenty years.
Gary Percival