A633.4.4.RB - Should the "Boss" always know the answers?

After reading “How to Lead When You’re not the Boss”, I can certainly look back on my experience and identify times where I was in similar situations. For example, in my current role I lead all of our B2B social media efforts, but I am on a team that is rather cross-functional, some individuals work on our website, some work on campaigns, trade media, video creation, and many more specialties. So when we work together, and at times without our manager present, it is clear that we all have something to bring to the table but we can only do so collaboratively if we are able to share our expertise in a productive conversation. In my experience, if the main objective is a social media ad, I lead the conversation and the group to working towards that goal.

The tenants of adaptive leadership that can be implemented in these types of situation begin with establishing clear goals. In my case a social media ad was the main goal and that was what was shared with the cross functional group. Next we should think systematically, meaning talking to the information that is already provided and then building off of that (How to Lead When You’re Not the Boss, 2009). Next we learn from experience, meaning if anyone in that group has a lesson learned to share then that is when they share it, so we can build off of that learning as a group (How to Lead When You’re Not the Boss, 2009). 

Leaders should also constantly look to engage with all members of the team, and ensure that everyone feels comfortable in the environment to share their own thoughts. Lastly, leaders, meaning everyone in the group, should feel comfortable with providing feedback (How to Lead When You’re Not the Boss, 2009). Luckily in my own experience in marketing, we work collaboratively rather often so these sort of circumstances and situations are pretty common, and well perceived.  

Reference

How to Lead When You’re Not the Boss. (2009). Harvard Management Update, 14(3), 1–2. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=36826490&site=ehost-live