Flexibility in leadership

In order to apply a flexible leadership style, you must first understand the way each of your team member’s works best. Start by asking the right questions. How can I best help you succeed? How much direction do you need from me? Do you prefer to make decisions autonomously or would you rather obtain my guidance and approval before moving forward? Do you prefer frequent discussions around progress toward goals or would you rather come to me only when there are key issues to be addressed? How much feedback do you require in order to know whether you are on the right track?

For instance, specialist Joe working in the motor pool may need to send you frequent updates about his work. He may need to get a little bit of feedback from you every time he makes changes. He may need to meet with you more frequently. Now you have specialist Janet who may not need to send you updates frequently at all. She may feel micromanaged if you expect her to send you regular updates. She may be an independent worker and she can deliver just as good results as specialist Joe. You need to know how to best manage each person to get them to show you the best results. So, if you can adapt your management style to the needs of your soldiers. If, you can pick up on what makes each of them tick and do this without compromising the end results, then you are going to be a true leader. You are going to be effective and they are going to be able to deliver amazing results to you.

The two benefits that I get from being a flexible leader are

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     I will be able to tap into each person’s true potential by managing them effectively.

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          I will be recognized by my upper management because my upper management is looking for a flexible leader; somebody who is able to adapt their styles in times of change and uncertainty.

I see my leadership style as transformational leadership where a leader works with subordinates to identify needed change, creating a vision to guide the change through inspiration, and executing the change with committed members of a group.

“The measure of a person’s strength is not his muscular power or strength, but it is his flexibility and adaptability.”  Debasish Mridha