Modern Leadership & Teamwork: Be Selfless Not Faceless | #peopleskills
by Kate Nasser | 3 Comments »
Modern Leadership & Teamwork: Selfless Giving Not Faceless Fortune
When you think of modern leadership, does the word selfless come to mind? So much is written about leaders doing more listening less speaking. Being more like a servant to the team and less like the supreme ruler.
As leaders face this definition of modern leadership, many start to wonder if selfless actually means faceless. Team members then face the same dilemma in defining teamwork.
Modern Leadership & Teamwork: Selfless Not Faceless Image by Doblin Monitor.
Modern Leadership & Teamwork is Not Faceless. Image by Horla Varlan.
Modern Leadership & Teamwork: Be Selfless Not Faceless
There are simple yet significant differences between selfless and faceless.
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Selfless leaders and teammates generously give their talents, ideas, and interest in others.
Faceless believe their ideas aren’t worthy of consideration. Downside: What isn’t offered is unrealized success. Everyone matters for you never know who will contribute the winning detail.
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Selfless leaders and teammates share responsibility and accountability.
Faceless hide from it all. Downside: Splintered organization and a culture of blame.
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Selfless leaders and teammates are confident and flexible.
Modern leadership and teamwork is not about telling or asking. It’s knowing when to do each. Faceless lacks the confidence to do both.
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Selfless leaders and teammates seek first to understand then to be understood.
Faceless seek only to understand. Downside: Groupthink. What isn’t discussed can be dangerous. This is far from modern leadership and teamwork.
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Selfless leaders and teammates express appreciation to each other.
They realize there are many “I’s” in team. They honor and celebrate the diversity of talents. This encourages more contribution to the team. With new generations in the workplace, honoring individual contribution is critical. Faceless overlook the individuals. Downside: Missed opportunities to develop maximum contribution.
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Selfless leaders and teammates have tough conversations with respect and civility.
They care about the outcome and each other. Faceless avoid the tough moments for their own comfort. Downside: Less successful organization.
Special Concerns for Leaders
If you are faceless …
- you don’t inspire or engage team members.
- team members can feel abandoned not empowered.
- team members can believe they must act the same way you do.
- team members can feel unappreciated and seek other employment.
- teams members can feel like your organization is a dead end.
- selfish team members can become the de facto leaders and unravel the culture of teamwork.
For modern leadership and teamwork, be selfless not faceless. Bring your generosity, talents, curiosity, courage, patience, and people skills to work every day. The result is a high performing organization that sustains success with inspiration, support, and stellar efforts.
Here’s a partner post w/ additional details: 12 Professional People Skills to Succeed Without Authority
From my professional experience to your success,
Kate Nasser, The People Skills Coach™
Related Posts:
25 Team Member Talents to Celebrate & Appreciate
Leadership Interview Tips: I vs. We
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Kate Nasser, The People Skills Coach™, delivers coaching, consulting, training, and keynotes on leading change, employee engagement, teamwork, and delivering the ultimate customer service. She turns interaction obstacles into interpersonal success. See this site for workshop outlines, keynote footage, and customer results.
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I love how you tapped into a fear for many leaders that we hear about so infrequently. If all I’m doing is listening, many wonder, am I really needed? What am I really doing?
I have a client whose boss is willing to listen, between meetings, if they catch him at his desk. He’s willing to remove roadblocks if he notices them. He’s hired two more deputies because he’s so busy. Busy doing what? Not leading. He’s chosen to be faceless when what the team really needs is for him to show up in service. I’ve got to find a way to have my client casually leave this article in the break room…
~ Alli
Wonderful story Alli. I have seen the fear in leaders and many times they don’t. Yet the ones who aren’t afraid to be present take their organizations much farther!
Thank you so much for contributions. I always look forward to reading your comments here and your blog posts at http://breaktheframe.com
Best,
Kate
[…] They are confident and humble. Respected well-liked leaders illustrate how to be self-assured while sharing the spotlight with others. They are selfless not faceless. […]