The moment you step into a leadership role, you’re no longer just you. Let’s just say it— “You are now They.” To your teams, you’re suddenly the living, breathing embodiment of every decision, policy, and strategy the organization has ever made. When someone heads home and vents to their friend or significant other by saying “Do you know what THEY are making us do now?”—guess who “they” is? Yep, it’s you. Surprise!
And here’s the kicker- even if you didn’t have a hand in crafting a specific rule or policy, you’re still the face of it. Fair? Not really. But that’s the deal when you make the jump into a leadership role. It’s like being the captain of the ship—you’re responsible, even if you didn’t build the boat.
So how do you keep from becoming the dreaded “they” in the worst sense of the word? It all starts with communication—lots of it. Please do not confuse email with communication. Email is a transaction where you have asked for something, or something has been asked of you, that’s not communication.
Effective leaders are considered over-communicators, but in a good way. By simply talking to your teams about what’s happening, why decisions are being made, and how changes will impact them. When people understand the “why,” they still may not agree with it, but they’re less likely to grumble about the “who.”
Another pro tip: don’t be a feedback black hole. Give your team members positive feedback when they’re doing things right, and don’t shy away from constructive feedback when it’s needed. At the same time, be open to hearing feedback from them too. It might sting sometimes, but it shows you’re human and that you care about what they have to say.
And let’s not forget learning. Leadership isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. The world is evolving fast, and if you’re not keeping up, you’re falling behind. One of my first coaches used to say, if you’re not getting better than you are probably getting worse. Stay curious, keep sharpening your skills, and encourage your teams to do the same. Lifelong learning is no longer optional—it’s your ticket to staying relevant in the new economy.
So, there you have it. Be the kind of leader who turns “they” from something people groan about into someone they trust, respect, and maybe even enjoy working with. After all, being “they” doesn’t have to be a bad thing—it’s what you make of it!
Until next time
Cheers to you and your continued success
One Quarter Turn at a Time
Thoughts for the week:
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
— Simon Sinek
“The art of communication is the language of leadership.”
— James Humes
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”
— Ken Blanchard
“Once you stop learning, you start dying.”
— Albert Einstein
Looking forward to our next connection
Coach Tim
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