As a leader, be your team's first responder

Leadership isn’t a title or rank, it’s a social contract. Leaders must demonstrate to their teams that they understand this - or risk becoming a General Melchett.

“Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.”

In 1960 it was a call from the incoming Democrat President John F. Kennedy to all Americans to contribute to the public good.

It’s inspired many over the years. But beyond that original moment in history, its meaning has become abused, especially in the corporate environment.

For disconnected leaders, the sentiment gives them an out. Shifting the focus from their own behaviour back on to the employee’s lack of initiative.

Leaders don’t get a free pass

In times of economic pressure, as a leader you must ask yourself not what your team is doing for you, but what you are doing for your team.

So it’s time to set aside the presentation decks, the vague corporate speak and the formal meetings.

Instead, get hands on and lead alongside your teams.

Be the first responder

Working with the British Army as a client early on in my marketing and advertising career, I spoke with many officers about their definition of leadership.

There was one common message: you don’t ever ask of someone else what you’re not prepared to do yourself.

This is about your ability to earn and preserve trust - one of the most precious yet essential conditions business and life.

Trust is earned through action; and when the pressure is on, there’s no better time to act.

Capable and self-aware leaders adopt a kind of ‘first responder’ mindset:

1. They provide focus - actively eliminating distractions and white noise.

2. They act - leading by example and by stepping ‘into the line’ to support teams under pressure.

3. They shoulder the burden - taking on work others don’t need to, demonstrating a willingness to make sacrifices of their own.

Meanwhile back at the château…

Those lacking this leadership ethos are badly exposed. The arm-chair general in the château is of little if any use to those in the trenches.

It’s what I call ‘Melchett Syndrome’ after the verbose but utterly useless First World War general played by Stephen Fry in Blackadder Goes Forth.

Such leaders confuse objectives with strategy, remain remote from front line teams dealing with client and customer needs, and repeat the same hollow mantras that connect with no-one.

As the General famously asserts:

'If nothing else works, a total unwillingness to look facts in the face will see us through.’

Accountability is everything

Facing this situation, employees have every right to hold their leaders accountable and demand clarity from those in positions of authority.

So anticipate their needs by providing the following:

1. a financial position of the business

2. a tangible action plan - and invite input

3. regular, specific updates on that plan.

Without this accountability you risk being caught in a business adrift.

So to deal with the pressures of business today, get out of the office and alongside your teams.

Right now, it’s better to be a first responder than a General Sir Anthony Cecil Hogmanay Melchett.