Fair-Weather Leaders
Leadership, professional developmentThe phrase, “fair-weather friend” is commonly applied to someone who is dependable only in good times…when things are going well. This type of friend disappoints and disappears when rainy days filled with hard times, strife and stress come. A “fair-weather friend” turns away when you need him or her most.
The same can be said of certain leaders. Anyone can lead in good times…when profits are in line with projections, products and services are in demand and employees are satisfied and working together well. But the true test of leadership is when the chips are down, there’s negative press and high employee turnover, customers are defecting, and sales have plummeted.
Characteristics of “Fair-Weather” Leaders
Most people recognize a “fair-weather” leader when they see one. It doesn’t take much to see through the thin layer of integrity and sincerity that covers up a weak character. However, here are three easy-to-spot characteristics:
—A Fragile Ego. “Fair-weather” leaders are insecure and have fragile egos. They are more concerned about their image, personal ambition, and what people will think than they are about their employees and the organization. Leadership is a head-trip for them. They believe they have all the answers…all of the time, and that they can’t learn from others.
-–The Blame Game. This type of leader bails out and blames others when the going gets rough. It’s always someone else’s fault when mistakes are made…even when it’s apparent to others that the mistake was the leader’s fault.
—Fear and Control. Let’s face it. Some leaders are control freaks. This can stem from a combination of a powerful personality and a fear of being rejected or losing control of a situation. For some leaders, being always in control provides comfort and stability. However, when taken to the extreme this need for control can paralyze workers and ultimately the entire organization.
A Leader for All Seasons
Every leader can learn to stay the course and be a “leader-for-all-seasons”…no matter the weather conditions… but for some it will take more time and increased effort. Here are five strategies you can use to become a well-balanced leader in and out of season:
- Balance authority and empowerment. Use leadership authority wisely and solicit input from employees when making decisions. Learn to take charge without always being in control.
- Accept responsibility and the full consequences of failures and mistakes. Apologize to any person or constituency that may have been hurt (yes, that’s right…say “I’m sorry”).
- Build trust and credibility. A leader earns credibility and trust by being honest, telling the truth and by knowing how to do his or her job well. If credibility and trust are not established, nothing the leader tries to do will be accomplished.
- Give credit where credit is due. Pats on the back are not meant just for the leader, they should be given by the leader to the specific employees who successfully accomplished the task, or who were responsible for the idea.
- Display empathy. Express concern and demonstrate your understanding of another person’s situation or feelings. Listen proactively and ask questions to increase understanding.
Many times when I am called in to help executives in organizations increase their leadership capabilities, often there is an excess of “fair-weather” leaders. The challenge has been to help these leaders become more balanced and to grow into “leaders-for-all-seasons”. I have helped them to become clear thinkers and decision-makers who value their employees’ input and inspire confidence and loyalty.
