Leadership Check-in
Welcome!
Each month we are exploring different topics as a part of leadership development.
Month 4: Adaptive Leadership and Respect
This month, we are focusing on two key areas: Adaptive Leadership principles and Respect, within the context of the Culture and Climate 7 principles. These areas are integral to your leadership development and our buddy engagement initiatives.
Adaptive Leadership:
Adaptive Leadership is a leadership approach that emphasizes the ability to adapt to changing environments and circumstances. It involves being flexible, responsive to new challenges, and capable of leading change effectively. Adaptive leaders are skilled at navigating uncertainty, fostering innovation, and encouraging team members to develop creative solutions. They not only adjust their strategies to meet evolving needs but also empower their teams to embrace change.
Examples:
Example 1: A sudden budget reduction forces the department to find ways to cut costs without compromising the quality of campus facilities and services.
- • Encouraging Team Input: The director holds a series of brainstorming sessions, encouraging frontline workers to suggest practical ways to streamline operations or reduce waste. Staff proposes adjusting cleaning schedules for low-traffic areas.
- • Fostering Resilience: The director acknowledges the challenges posed by the cuts but emphasizes a shared commitment to maintaining high standards. They celebrate small wins, such as successfully implementing a new maintenance scheduling software that improves efficiency, reinforcing a sense of progress and collaboration.
Example 2: A long-time staff member resists adopting a new maintenance scheduling software, citing a preference for the old manual system.
- • The leader shifts from a directive approach ("This is the new system, and you must use it") to a collaborative approach.
- • They sit down with the employee to understand their concerns, acknowledging their expertise and inviting their input on improving the implementation process.
- • The leader provides personalized training, links the change to the team member's goals (e.g., saving time on repetitive tasks), and highlights early wins to build buy-in.
Respect
Respect in the workforce entails recognizing and appreciating the worth and rights of every individual, regardless of their position or background. It's about treating colleagues with dignity, listening to their opinions, and valuing their contributions. Respectful leadership fosters a positive work culture, encourages open communication, and promotes inclusivity and equity.
Examples:
Example 1: A budget review reveals that newer team members in Facilities are using outdated equipment while senior members have access to the latest tools.
- • The leader advocates for equitable distribution of resources, ensuring all team members have the tools they need to succeed.
- • They openly communicate the plan for resource upgrades, explaining the timeline and priorities to address the imbalance.
- • This action demonstrates respect for all team members' roles and their right to fair treatment.
Example 2: A groundskeeping team member asks for time off to celebrate a religious holiday unfamiliar to most of the team. Some colleagues make dismissive remarks about the request.
- • The leader educates the team about the importance of respecting cultural diversity and explains that the holiday is important to the employee.
- • They approve the time off and adjust the schedule equitably, ensuring no one feels overburdened.
- • The leader fosters an inclusive environment by encouraging the team to share their own cultural practices, promoting mutual understanding.
Let's focus on these areas to enhance our leadership skills and contribute positively to our team and organizational culture.
Month 4: Beginning Survey
Click below to access Month 4 guiding questions.
Beginning of month survey