Style vs. Substance
A manager must have both
First, let’s talk about style.
A manager's style is all about the unique approach and manner in which they lead and interact with their team. It’s what makes them different from their predecessor and from anyone else who might take over their role in the future.
Leadership philosophy and values should be shared.
Communicating one's managerial style is crucial for building trust and fostering a positive work environment. Being clear about who you are and your leadership approach, will allow your team to better understand the expectations, motivations, and decision-making behind the processes. This transparency allows employees to align their efforts with the manager's vision, promoting a cohesive and unified work culture.
Have an open and honest dialogue with the team.
When a manager is upfront about their style, including strengths and areas for improvement, it encourages team members to do the same. This is a very powerful way to foster a culture of trust and collaboration, where individuals can feel comfortable enough to share ideas, raise concerns, and provide feedback.
Now let’s talk about the substance.
The substance that I refer to, is the core content of the manager's decisions, strategies, and leadership approach. All elements that build the foundation of long-term success.
“The style makes the substance more palatable, but it's the substance that makes it all work.”
The manager's style will serve as the presentation, and can easily influence how the substance is perceived and received by the team. An effective and engaging style can make complex information more accessible, create a positive work environment, and enhance the overall experience for team members.
However, no matter how appealing the style may be, if there is a lack of meaningful content or substance, the effectiveness of the manager's leadership will ultimately be compromised.
The substance is what will produce the tangible results, create the strategic vision, and be the very ability needed to make the sound decisions that will contribute to the team's success.
A manager's style may attract attention and set the tone, but it is the substance that sustains trust, credibility, and the team's ability to achieve its goals.
In essence, a well-balanced combination of both style and substance is necessary for effective leadership.
HOW DOES YOUR STYLE AFFECT YOUR TEAM?
-
A manager's style, whether it's authoritative, participative, or laissez-faire, can significantly impact the morale and engagement of team members. A supportive and empowering style tends to boost morale, while a more controlling or indifferent style may lead to disengagement.
-
The communication style of a manager affects how well team members understand goals, expectations, and feedback. A clear and open communication style fosters a transparent work environment, while a lack of communication or unclear messages can lead to confusion and frustration.
-
Different leadership styles can either encourage or hinder team productivity and innovation. A collaborative and inclusive style often promotes creativity and problem-solving, while a directive or overly authoritative style might stifle initiative and creativity.
-
The leadership style of a manager plays a role in employee satisfaction and retention. A manager who values and supports their team members is more likely to retain talent, as opposed to a manager with a style that fosters a negative or unsupportive work environment.
-
In rapidly changing work environments, a manager's leadership style affects the team's ability to adapt and be flexible. An adaptable and flexible style encourages innovation and resilience, while a rigid or resistant style can hinder the team's capacity to navigate change.
-
The way a manager handles conflicts and challenges is influenced by their leadership style. A manager with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative style is likely to resolve conflicts more effectively, fostering a healthier team dynamic.
5 WAYS - LET YOUR TEAM GET TO KNOW YOU!
-
Managers can create a "Leadership User Manual" that outlines their working preferences, communication style, and expectations. This document can include information about how they prefer to receive updates, their approach to feedback, and any specific pet peeves or preferences. Sharing this manual with the team provides valuable insights in a lighthearted and informative manner.
-
This is a collaborative exercise where the entire team defines the values, goals, and working norms they collectively want to uphold. As part of this exercise, the manager can contribute their own expectations and leadership style, fostering a sense of shared understanding and mutual expectations.
-
Schedule informal coffee chat sessions or team-building events where the manager can discuss their personal and professional background, leadership journey, and the values they hold dear. These casual settings allow team members to connect with their manager on a more personal level and gain insights into their leadership style.
-
Sharing previous experiences through storytelling can highlight the manager's leadership approach and values. This technique can be both engaging and informative, providing real-world examples that illustrate how the manager navigates challenges and interacts with their team.
-
Organize 360-degree feedback workshops where team members, peers, and superiors can anonymously provide feedback on the manager's strengths and areas for improvement. This process facilitates open communication and allows the manager to address expectations directly based on the feedback received, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
“BE YOURSELF; EVERYONE ELSE IS ALREADY TAKEN.”
How do you show your team your style?
