Invisible Leadership
A new manager observed a team deeply engaged in an argument-filled discussion. Members were debating, listening, and collaboratively ideating. He noted that no one was shouting, directing, or pushing their ideas. Instead, he witnessed a mature team that came to the meeting with a challenge and left with a solution.
Once the meeting
concluded, everyone put their chairs in place. One person disposed of the tea
cups, another cleaned the whiteboard, switched off the air conditioning, and
finally, one approached the switchboard to turn off the lights. The manager
asked this person who was heading the team. The individual replied, “I am the
team leader, but I don't head the team; I lead the team.”
With a smile, the
manager said, “That sounds interesting. How did you build this team?” The team
leader responded, “The team members are not just building materials or puzzles;
they are like fruit-bearing trees. All I need to do is nurture them. While nurturing,
there’s no need to apply pressure or show anger. I need to be there for them
when they require support. Some grow quickly, some grow slowly; some yield
results fast, while others take their time. My role is similar to that of a
farmer. Once the team knows I am here for them, they become strong at their roots
and continue to grow.
We should also recognise
that not all trees bear fruit every season, and we must be patient while
waiting for them to yield fruit. Not every subordinate will always be productive; we should allow them some time to shine when their moment arrives.
When you do not see or hear a single person leading the meeting and giving instructions, you are truly experiencing leadership and witnessing not just one person as a Leader but many future Leaders in action.
Leadership is an experience; it is not just
a physical display.
M.L. Narendra Kumar
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