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If you have ever attempted to row a boat, that is, not taken a cruise on a luxury 5-star liner, you will know how challenging rowing can be! It requires specific skills of precision! You have to pull on two oars simultaneously with equal force to navigate the water, move your boat, and safely reach your destination. 

Are you a Leader? The same is true. Consider this analogy!  

The metaphor of two oars of leadership represents People and Results. A Leader must simultaneously balance the needs of their Team with business goals. It takes this blend to lead effectively while moving steadily forward. 

Leadership is engaging other people, staff, and teams to deliver desired outcomes. Leaders operate within a system, an organisation that requires the commitment and energy of competing forces (Leaders and Teams) to deliver results. This can be described as a yin-and-yang existence. A relationship between leaders and followers with tension and complexity but with a focus on the same goals. 

Simply put, when you lead, there are two basic dynamics at play. You have control of the oars, but effective leaders apply equal force to bring people along while also setting and meeting Business results. It's all about balance. Like a rowboat, if you pull too hard on one oar, you will spin around in circles, going nowhere. Sound familiar? Have you experienced that? 

Come on board!  

The People Oar 

This oar focuses on the human, empathetic side of leadership. This means; 

• Understanding your People. What motivates them individually? Get to know what drives them, their aspirations, needs and wants. 

• Listening to them. Ask for and listen to their perspectives, ideas and concerns. It's the sum of all! Individual and Team input and collaboration provide benefits for everyone. 

• Adapt your Leadership style to best respond to these unique and complex differences to get the best results for all. One approach doesn’t fit all! 

• Recognise effort. Praise and reward good work. This helps build trust, loyalty and productivity. 

• Supporting staff. Provide development opportunities and nurture potential. Help navigate changes, and mentor and coach to keep the boat balanced, steady and moving forward.  

The Results Oar of Leadership involves 

• Setting clear expectations of what success looks like. Importantly, translate this to staff, their part and importance in achieving it. Get everyone on board and have the boat balanced and moving in the right direction. 

• Defining roles and responsibilities. Document and clearly define formal roles and boundaries to avoid confusion, conflict, and poor performance. This also helps keep the boat in shipshape condition. 

• Establish standards for performance. Back these with performance measurements to monitor individual and team outcomes. Establish benchmarks to act as barometers, drivers and motivators. 

• Value your Team. Importantly, provide appropriate and constructive feedback to those underperforming or off track. Help build skills and confidence. 

• Resources & Training. Ensure your team has the resources and training they need to perform at the highest level.  Give them the tools to do the best job. Additionally, identify potential and nurture development.   

Operating with both oars in sync! 

There are many opportunities to row effectively with both oars. The boat is balanced with a focus on both people and results simultaneously.  

Sharing important initiatives or changes, then facilitate open discussion, hearing and talking through their reactions, thoughts, and any concerns. Let them be part of the idea, problem, and solution. This engagement fosters buy-in. 

Set clear goals and direction for the Team and involve them in how to deliver. Do this by getting their input and integrating their ideas on how best to implement. This opportunity and engagement nurture and help build commitment and ownership.  

Expressing your genuine belief in a team member when the opportunity arises for them to step up and take on a new challenge. This demonstrated support can make a huge difference to the outcome.   

Takeaway: 

Is rowing a boat simple or easy? Is Leadership simple or easy?  

Whatever your answer or experience, the key is to always be looking to balance the oars to blend and achieve the best of both people and results. 

As a Leader, you need to be mindful and intentional to be a champion navigator and rower to reach the desired destination with everyone safely on board!