Sharing The Keys With Tiny Leaders: Why We Need To Share Leadership
Moving house can be a whirlwind, but instead of dictating decisions, I saw it as an opportunity to practice shared leadership with my children. Knowing the power of their input, I wanted them to be involved, especially since this change would significantly impact them. This new house meant leaving our familiar community, and I wanted the experience to be positive and empowering for them.
So, we gathered around the kitchen table, armed with excitement and house plans. Room assignments became a collaborative adventure. Each child, surprisingly, chose unique rooms, thoughtfully explaining why, and considering each other's needs. My 10-year-old meticulously planned his gaming setup, sparking a conversation about budget constraints and device usage rules in the new house. Our 8-year-old brought creative design suggestions, adding his unique flair. My 4-year-old chimed in, offering hilarious and insightful suggestions like placing her toy kitchen near the real one so "we can still play while you do your jobs, Mum!"
We even tackled furniture solutions together. We rediscovered hidden treasures and brainstormed upcycling ideas, like transforming an old chair into a funky reading chair for their sister’s room. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives were a reminder of the power of shared leadership and the resourcefulness it unleashes. Most importantly, they surprised me with their willingness to compromise and work within constraints, showcasing the human ability to thrive when given agency, purpose, and connection.
How does sharing leadership with these tiny leaders help your team?
The same strategies are applicable in our work with High-Performing Teams:
Empower individuals: Treat everyone, regardless of experience, as valuable contributors with unique perspectives. Encourage their participation and creative ideas in decision-making.
Foster collaboration: Create a safe space for open communication and brainstorming. Utilize tools like visual aids or online platforms to encourage collaborative problem-solving and shared ownership of solutions.
Embrace diverse viewpoints: Actively seek out diverse perspectives and encourage healthy debate. Celebrate the unique insights everyone brings to the table, leading to more comprehensive and innovative solutions.
Set clear boundaries and constraints: Provide clear guidelines and parameters for decision-making. This allows individuals to exercise their agency within defined boundaries, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership.
Champion resourcefulness: Encourage creative thinking and problem-solving, especially when faced with limitations. Celebrate innovative solutions that leverage existing resources and prioritize sustainability.
The Tiny Leaders' willingness to compromise and find solutions within constraints is a powerful reminder. Could we be doing a disservice by over-relying on established leadership? When teams constantly look upward for every tough call, it discourages the development of shared leadership and the ability to navigate challenges collaboratively.
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