Why the Best Leaders Get Along with their Team

The Best Leaders Know How to Get Along with Their Team
Even the most experienced leaders can falter and fail when they do not play well with others.  At some point in every leader’s career, their success is dependent upon their ability to work with and influence those around them by using more than their position of authority.

Yet, according to data from our people manager assessment center and leadership simulation assessments, many leaders struggle when then need help from others.

Three Big Leadership Warning Signs
The top three warning signs of leaders not getting along with their team include:

1. Attitude shifts.
2. Missed deadlines.
3. Decreased performance.

The first is a leading indicator that something may be amiss.  The final two warning signs are major lagging indicators that something may be wrong.

What the Best Leaders Do to Get Along with Their Teams
Based upon over two decades of employee engagement research, the best leaders who get along with their teams consistently:

• Pull their weight.
• Empower their direct reports.
• Create trusting relationships.
• Show and give both loyalty and respect.
• Can be depended upon.
• Demonstrate integrity.
• Motivate and inspire those around them.

The best leaders do not risk a mutiny like the above chessboard king who was surrounded and defeated by pawns. Learning how to get along with your teammates should be part of your leadership development and action learning for leadership development program designs.

Two Leadership Challenges to Overcome
If you are headed for a leadership position — even as a brand new people manager — you should beware of two challenges that could forestall or crush your progress.  Here are ways to defuse these obstacles to your rise within the company:

1. Super Stardom
   If you have been recognized as a superstar performer, there is bound to be some jealousy among your teammates and perhaps an effort to undermine your success. Be thoughtful of your teammates’ needs and be fully cooperative as your team strives to do their jobs.  Ask and advise rather than tell. Acknowledge the successes of others and accept praise, not on your own, but on behalf of the team.

   As a leader, your success is now dependent upon the success of others. Behave accordingly.

2. Office Politics
   Good and bad politics exist in every organizational culture either by design or by default . If you observe the nasty side of office politics, try to stay above the fray. Gain influence without compromising your integrity.

   Do not tolerate gossip or back-channeling at work.  Ask for help from someone you trust as you navigate through the turf wars and clashing personalities.

The Bottom Line
The best leaders pull their weight, empower their direct reports, create trusting relationships, are dependable, and demonstrate integrity.  How do your leaders stack up?

To learn more about what the best leaders do, download The Top Six Management Practices that Matter Most