Leading Through Uncertainty? Start With Yourself
By Claire Le Grice, Skills Ignite
As a leader in a small to medium enterprise (SME) in South Auckland, you’re at the heart of a dynamic and diverse business community. The success of your business doesn’t just depend on your knowledge of the market or your ability to manage finances—it hinges on how well you understand yourself, how you build relationships with your team, and how you align your efforts with your organisation’s goals. This is where the “Me, We, Us” model comes into play. It’s a powerful framework that can help you grow as a leader, starting from within and expanding your influence to those around you.
Me: Building Your Leadership Foundation
Your leadership journey begins with understanding yourself. The “Me” aspect of the model is all about self-awareness and personal leadership. So, how well do you know yourself? Are you clear on your values, strengths, and areas where you could improve? Taking the time to reflect on these questions is the first step toward becoming a more effective leader.
We: Strengthening Your Team
“We” component of the model is about building and maintaining strong relationships within your team.
- Empathy is essential. Understanding your team members’ needs, aspirations, and challenges is crucial. When you show empathy, you build trust and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
- Clear, honest communication is just as important. Make sure you’re fostering an environment where open dialogue is encouraged and everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. Active listening ensures that every voice is heard and helps you lead your team toward common goals.
- Empowering your team means delegating responsibilities and giving them opportunities to grow. When you recognise and celebrate their achievements, you boost morale and create a positive, motivated workplace. Remember, success is succession – how are you setting up for success today?
- Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. As a leader, it’s your role to approach conflicts with a mindset of finding common ground and solutions that benefit the whole team. This not only resolves issues but also strengthens the bonds within your team.
- Learning doesn’t need to be limited to formal training programs or workshops. Look for opportunities to integrate learning into everyday work activities. This could include job shadowing, cross-training, lunch and learns or sharing a book or article around for discussion (you could even use this one!).
Us: Aligning with Your Business Goals
The final piece of the puzzle is the “Us” aspect of the model, which focuses on how you align your team’s efforts with the broader goals of your business.
- Shared Vision: Do you have a clear, compelling vision for your business? Make sure it’s one that everyone can get behind and that it aligns with your overall mission. A shared vision inspires collective effort and ensures everyone understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
- Culture: Creating and maintaining a strong organisational culture is also crucial. Lead by example and set the standard for behaviour and performance across your business. When you model the values you want to see in others, it creates a ripple effect.
- Influence and Legacy: Finally, think about your influence both within and beyond the organisation. By building strong relationships, sharing your knowledge, and contributing to the success of your business, you’re not just leading today—you’re creating a legacy for the future.
At Skills Ignite, we’re here to support you and your team in your leadership journey. By knowing yourself and applying these principles, you can set the standard for excellence and drive your business toward a brighter future. Reach out to our team today on 0800 200 345 if you would like support for you and your team on any of the above.