Boudaries
Great Leadership Requires Healthy Limits
It was dark. Even though it was only 8 p.m., the night had a creepy, midnight feel. No lights, no people, just cold. I was doing my first long run of the decade. I kept thinking, there’s no way I could run from someone … I can barely breathe, and my legs feel like anvils.
After that “run,” I started carrying my phone, but it would bounce around in my pocket, driving me crazy. Then I realized the small pocket in my shorts could fit not only my credit card but also my phone. When my phone had tighter boundaries, I experienced less annoyance and disruption.
During that run, I started to think about boundaries. I’ve always been a leader who likes to create and figure things out. That’s probably why we customize every session for every client. It’s more fun and meaningful. However, when the client provides clear goals, examples, and data, we can create content that’s more efficient and effective. We like the freedom, but we also thrive with boundaries.
Creating a session without clear goals is like running with a giant iPhone in the pocket of your running shorts … clunky, filled with distraction and not as good as it could have been.
Are you a leader who takes pride in “figuring it out” or a leader who thrives when a clear plan is shared?
Some leaders see boundaries and start to feel limited. Some leaders see boundaries and feel liberated. Which kind of leader are you?
Here’s what we’ve found, based on training thousands of managers across the country over the past 15 years.
We’ve found that all leaders need boundaries to move effectively and efficiently. Without boundaries, we see mission drift, off-brand marketing, and leaders trying to move the needle forward (but oftentimes in the wrong direction). We see team members struggling and managers wondering if it’s skill or will. Before we look at the team member, we need to examine our management style. Are we providing clear boundaries? You know … clear expectations, clear goals, clear communication preferences, etc. …
Sometimes in our pursuit of being a good manager (and showing trust), we provide too much freedom and not enough direction. In our hopes of providing the right amount of support and direction, we cause frustration and anxiety.
Now, obviously, there’s an extreme the other way as well. Too much direction can make you seem like a dictator, and too much support can make you seem like a smothering family member at Thanksgiving.
Get to know your team and discern which boundaries are healthy so everyone can move forward together.
Who knows, over time, just like running, we figure it out, get into a rhythm. When this happens well, what is currently challenging becomes easy. The key is finding the right boundaries and consistently sticking to them.
We can help. There is still room available in the Insight Executive Leadership Academy and the Distilled Leadership Experience. See below for registration details. Or just set up a coaching conversation to chat.
