There are so many valuable qualities that shape the effectiveness of a leader. I’ve talked about many of them at length. I think now, in 2020, as we face increasingly divisive rhetoric and action on all levels of society, the unifying nature of leadership is more valuable than ever. Now, I’m not here to get into politics or discuss sweeping social issues.
For my context, I’m referring to division versus unity in our professional lives and interpersonal relationships. These — particularly interpersonal relationships — affect just about every aspect of social life and how well we function together.
When it comes to a team, be they employees, colleagues, or a family, unity is absolutely essential for achieving goals. I’m afraid too many people in leadership positions today misunderstand the true nature of effective leadership. We’ve spent so much time “looking out for #1” that we forget that leadership, in the end, is built on service.
Good leaders bring the best out of their team. They’re motivating. They’re encouraging. And most of all, they bring the vision, the know-how, and the guiding principles that make it all work.
I think we know, however, that leadership is not always a walk in the park. In fact, it rarely is! We’re dealing day-in and day-out with different people who carry different points-of-view, experiences, and ideas.
Bringing unity in the middle of division and conflict? It’s tough!
Here are the best things I know to do when my team needs to be unified.
5 Ways Great Leaders Bring Unity to Their Team
1) They facilitate.
Great leaders are also great facilitators. Great facilitators are masters of conflict resolution, empathy, and active listening. They strive to make all members feel welcome and heard. Facilitators provide that direction, that clear vision, that drives everyone towards the right goals. Facilitation is an active role that encourages others, chiefly, to create meaningful outcomes.
2) They’re impartial.
Leaders don’t take sides. This doesn’t mean you are neutral in leadership, but it means that you know how to effectively manage your own biases. You know how not to alienate those who you (and others) may disagree with. Instead of making a stance totally clear, you’re willing to explore the flaws and benefits on all sides of the aisle. This impartiality helps others listen to you and respect your leadership.
3) They expect nuance.
The best leaders know that they’re not in an us versus them situation. They understand that people are nuanced and so are their points of view. In a professional setting, this manifests as a willingness to explore all facets of ideas and solutions. It means that you don’t sum up the sources of division and conflict in easy bullet points. Instead, you recognize the complexity of people, their opinions, and ideas.
Understanding and appreciating this nuance encourages impartiality and empathy.
4) They encourage collaboration.
Great leaders want people to work together well. They want to see different sets of experiences, talents, and ideas all come together to develop the best outcomes. Even when people don’t like one another or what they bring to the table, the leader is always there to promote an environment of mutual respect and team values. Leaders aren’t there to sit on top of the pack as the “winner.” They also aren’t looking to make others compete. They want to see collaborative efforts, instead, that create a sense of accomplishment as a unit.
5) They set a clear standard.
We get off track when we take our eyes off of the mark. As leaders, it is our responsibility to set down a clear standard for work, relationships, and ethics...while also modeling that standard! Effective leadership means being respected because you show respect. It’s receiving honesty because you’ve been honest. It’s your team giving it their all because you, too, give your all. They see it. Don’t think they don’t!
When the clear standard is set, not only can you hold yourself and others to it, but it puts everyone on the same page. The idea of being a “visionary” might seem a little tired at this point. However, leaders are to set that vision: a vision of what good work, good professional relationships, and a good reputation really looks like.
Ultimately, leadership should bring people together and provide a common purpose.
How are you prioritizing unity in leadership during these trying times? Share in the comments.