Finding Balance in Leadership

Effective leadership requires a balance of empathy and direction, often encapsulated in a balanced leadership approach. This strategy is about setting clear expectations, holding team members accountable, and building an environment of growth and respect.

There are 3 key steps to successfully navigating this balance:

1. Set the Standard and Live by It

As a leader, it’s essential to establish clear standards for behaviour and performance. This starts with defining what excellence looks like in your organisation and communicating these expectations to your team. However, it’s not enough to set these standards - you must also embody them. Your actions speak louder than words, and your team will look to you as a role model. Consistency is key. If you expect punctuality, be punctual. If you value open communication, practice it. By living the standards you set, you create a culture of integrity and accountability.

2. Mastering Constructive Conversations

Constructive conversations are an inevitable part of leadership. Whether addressing poor performance, behavioural issues, or conflicts within the team, it’s crucial to handle these discussions with clarity and fairness. Start by preparing for the conversation - identify the specific behaviours or issues that need addressing and the impact they have on the team or organisation. During the conversation, be direct yet compassionate. Focus on the behaviour, not the person, and provide clear examples. It’s also important to listen actively, allowing the team member to share their perspective. The goal is to reach a mutual understanding and agree on actionable steps for improvement.

3. Giving Balanced Feedback

Effective feedback is a powerful tool for development. It’s important to balance positive feedback and feedback on development to encourage growth while acknowledging strengths. Positive feedback reinforces positive behaviour and motivates team members. Be specific about what they did well and the impact it had. On the other hand, feedback on development, when delivered constructively, helps individuals understand areas for improvement. Frame it as an opportunity for growth, offering specific examples and suggestions for how they can improve.

Implementing a balanced leadership approach requires commitment and consistency. It’s important to:

• Lead by Example
• Communicate Clearly
• Be Consistent
• Develop Your Skills

The Middle Management Movement program is designed to equip current and aspiring middle managers with all these skills, so they can embody a balanced leadership approach effectively. Through MMM, middle managers receive tailored training in leadership skills specific to the hospitality industry. They learn how to:

• Set Clear Standards: How to define and communicate clear performance and behaviour expectations.
• Handle Constructive Conversations: How to handle conflict and communicate effectively, so that any issues are addressed directly and constructively.
• Provide Balanced Feedback: How to deliver both positive and negative feedback in a way that motivates and inspires improvement.

Most importantly, the MMM program provides a supportive environment for middle managers to practice these skills, receive feedback, and grow into confident leaders.

When applied correctly, a balanced leadership approach can transform your leadership and team dynamics. It builds a culture of trust, respect, and accountability. Team members know what’s expected of them and feel supported in their growth. This approach also promotes a high-performance culture, where individuals are motivated to meet and exceed standards.

If you’re looking to build a team of leaders who inspire respect and drive continuous improvement, please reach out via direct message or send me an email – miche[email protected] and lets chat.