Taking a Team Approach to Leadership
Professional Development
Taking a Team Approach to Leadership
By Neal Glatt , CSP , ASM
Are you feeling tired lately ? Perhaps the thought of another season just seems to weigh heavier this year than the past few years ? It ’ s a common feeling right now . With all the pressures we must face as landscape professionals , from the weather to the economy to the job market to the supply chain , it seems like change is the only constant in a world that is becoming more uncertain every day . Fortunately , we don ’ t have to navigate it alone .
This feeling of being depleted or exhausted often arises from workplace stress that hasn ’ t been successfully managed . For leaders , the issue isn ’ t necessarily that there is too much workplace stress , but rather that they often try to manage all the stresses themselves . It ’ s almost like the more they try to do , the worse the problem gets .
Some leaders have said , “ It ’ s lonely at the top .” This sentiment is a selfcreated mistake , and certainly not the best way to lead . Great leaders understand that by building real connections with their people , they foster trust , loyalty , and development that helps the whole organization thrive in difficult situations . They create a team environment where everyone can say that they have a “ best friend at work ” and engagement peaks .
When a whole team is united and shares a common set of values by which to make decisions , it becomes much easier for leaders to trust others with leadership initiatives . Instead of driving each change , process , or idea themselves , leaders can feel free to allow other team members drive initiatives . Sharing the load allows everyone to better manage the workplace stress and work can become enjoyable again . What ’ s more , the best leaders will recognize the individual strengths that their team members contribute and often discover that delegating responsibility for driving initiatives doesn ’ t only free up time and energy but has the potential to deliver better results as well . There are usually only a few things that we can do great in life , so partnering with those who have complementary talents allows our teams to reach new heights with a better range of competencies .
Have you allowed those around you to realize their potential by driving important initiatives ? Or are you still trying to muster the energy to shoulder the entire load yourself ? Let ’ s make this season our best yet by empowering those around us to shine and become refreshed by working as a member of a true team .
Call for Speakers and Contributors
Do you have a passion project , a deep-rooted interest , or a new tree care technique you ’ d like to share with your fellow arborists ? The MAA is looking for a few enthusiastic experts !
Our education committee members are on the lookout for innovative presenters to instruct and inspire tree care professionals , while providing CEU credit opportunities . Our talented members have presented on topics ranging from business strategy to gear inspection , and from tree identification to emergency first aid . If you ’ re interested in sharing your knowledge and expertise ( either at the podium or via Zoom ), we ’ d love to hear from you . Contact the MAA office at Info @ MassArbor . org with your ideas !
MAA NEWS SUMMER 2024 13