3 Traits Shared by Effective Leaders and Teams During Transition

When teams go through transitions there can be tensions and conflicts reconciling business imperatives, people management and the requirement to prioritise productivity.  The chasm between leaders and their teams can be an artificial one.

Here are 3 characteristics they share:

1. Image matters

Both  parties want to be seen as effective and good at their jobs. Leaders want to be perceived as effective and doing a good job even in uncertain times. They will strive to set out business cases, bring in specialists and comply with reasonable expectations to make the transition comfortable. Similarly, good team members want to be perceived as understanding, cooperative and  will seek to contribute positively to the change process.

2. Value communication

A related point is that both parties value good communication. A good leader will be at pains to consult, share views and make the case for change and have a communication plan at the heart of the change strategy. Good team members want to share views and feed into consultations. This seems such an obvious point but how many of us  have been in situations where the converse is true!

3. Prioritise Decisiveness

This will resonate with anyone that has been in a situation where there has been a prolonged period of uncertainty, rumbles of change but no  clear[ decisions. Inevitably the void  is filled with gossip, uncertainty and low morale. This cuts both ways. Leaders may be slow to make decisions and alienate teams. Team members may indicate they desire change or have alternative plans  not shared openly but hang on creating  uncertainty.

Conversely good leaders and team members are clear and share updates, understanding that clarity  and being informed helps decision making and planning.

In an ideal world good leaders and good team members find and recognise each other. In the real-world consultants, mentors and coach witness the fall out which can if left unresolved damage the foundations of an organisation.