Too often people forget that leadership is more than just a position. The assumption is that they should just step up to the plate to be in charge. Some perceive that leadership is about give orders and making decisions. That is, in part, leadership. But, there is more to it than that.
To be an effective leader, discernment is required. This includes stepping up, stepping in, and stepping back.
- Step Up – Leaders should absolutely step up to assist others. Specifically, they should be willingly to do what needed to support development of others. This might be serving as mentor or an advisor.
- Step In – When leaders reach out to assist they are serving as advocates. In this role, leaders step in to lend a hand, be a resource, or facilitate. This aspect of leadership varies from coaching because it requires the ability to support but not instruct.
- Step Back – When needed, leaders must step back. This might be during a coaching moment, support for helping a subordinate or protégé to learn techniques on his or her own.
Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
