Brexit and the UK parliament. Leadership lessons for the business world.
Brexit, at least in Europe, has been the main political subject for the last 2 years, but still in a complete deadlock; leaving everyone that is involved or possibly affected by the decision, bewildered and exhausted.
Unfortunately, this is a situation way too familiar, not only in politics but in business as well. In my professional life, I encountered many times business decisions moving into a complete impasse. Where the involved parties are utterly divided and fighting each other, while business, jobs and peoples’ morale are on the line. With leaders losing site of the task on hand – just worrying about their jobs, the political effect of a decision and their careers.
And all for the same simple reason. Leaders exercising power in the wrong way. Trying to force decisions through, instead of inviting people in the decision-making process. Mistakenly believing that, in order to maintain their “leader” status and the image of a “doer”, they have to bulldozer their point of view over people. And then, playing partisan games in the dark in order to secure allies… Wrongly believing that, if they seem to be taking input, they may be considered weak. Not to mention, having seen too many just pushing down the point of view that pleases the boss, even if they know that it is not the right one for the business and the people.
But there is always a way of exercising power in the right way. You set a vision. Discuss it with your team, listen and adjust. Make work groups to come up with alternative options and plans to deliver. Debate and collectively choose the best one. Invite people in, don’t boss them around! Let them be part of the decision rather than treating them like puppets that will have to follow you just because you are in charge…
Holding a title or a position in an organization does gives you power. But remember.
Use it in the right way and you will become truly powerful. Use it in the wrong way and you will just become toxic.
(A lesson reminder from Brexit)
