Leading agile teams – are you making the classic mistake?
In my two decades of assisting organizations in becoming more agile, I've observed a prevalent mistake among leaders that, while easy to correct, is often overlooked. Even those adept at leading teams often fall into this trap, making it the biggest mistake in my view.
To illustrate, consider a scenario on an airplane with a young child during a sudden loss of cabin pressure. The common instinct is to prioritize the child by putting their oxygen mask on first. However, this counterintuitive action diminishes the chances of the child surviving.
This analogy applies to leading a team. The common sentiment of always being available, sitting with the team 24/7, and maintaining constant awareness of team activities can lead to adverse effects. The crucial question is: Who is looking after the leader?
Constant availability may foster a dependency culture, escalate problems unnecessarily, and hinder the leader's ability to concentrate on essential tasks. Taking deliberate "timeouts" from the team environment to focus on individual tasks is essential. This "me time" ensures leaders are in the best shape to support the team when needed.
Despite feeling counterintuitive, removing oneself from the constant action is necessary, akin to putting on one's oxygen mask first. It's about working smart, not just working hard. Leaders should try this approach for a week or two and witness the positive impact on team dynamics and personal effectiveness.
