Balanced Leadership
" Balance" The role of an effective leader requires “Balance.” Great leaders are "balanced" with a twofold objective: to drive results and to lead the team.While drive for results is an essential competency, it can only take a leader so far, and must be accompanied by an ability to structure the work and move others toward the same execution goals. This takes balance.
Now "balance" is not a musical term, but it is indeed a necessity within the community. Let’s take musicians for example. They tend to be very passionate about learning the newest riff to showcase their skills for the next time onstage. However, when it comes to staying current on the many ongoing changes within the music industry, many are lost. But in order to be successful, the practice of “balance” must be a practicing discipline. Recently, my path crossed with an exceptional leader here in the Atlanta area. I have witnessed the discipline of Trey Lander (Bass player for Reuben’s Bell / formerly Daniels Brothers Band) as “balanced.” Finding the ability to start a new company, prepare for shows, set goals and develop a knowledge of the music business, while at the same time motivating others on the team to become better AND spending time with his family is amazing. This demonstration of “Balance” has proven results not only in his personal life but also in his music career and those around him as well. Being a good, strong, dependable leader is all about keeping things in perspective, in harmony with yourself and those around you. Being this kind of leader is not a one-sided position. You cannot be rough on your employees and never show them any tenderness. And you can’t be easy on everyone and never show them any discipline. You have to have a balance of both. Here are a few "Balance" tips:
Balance the ability to confront difficult situations and deal with conflict with an ability to consider everyone’s perspective and the possibility that you may be wrong about something as often as you’re right.
Balanced leaders set goals and accomplish them, without compromising their relationships with their staff to get it done.
Balance professionalism with a personal relationship with your employees and clientele.
Balanced leaders can accept constructive criticism from others without getting defensive (or “jumping” as a friend once called it, because we often jump to defend ourselves and have hurt feelings and wounded pride when someone else sees a need for improvement).
A balanced leader is respected in his authority and yet approachable when someone has a question about the process behind his decision or clarification.
A “Balanced” leader requires work EVERYDAY. It’s definitely not an easy task; but it is incredibly rewarding.
