Too often, I hear leaders speak about “the team” or “my people” or “they” or “them”. You are part of that team, your authority doesn’t create separation, it requires deeper engagement with more responsibility to your teammates!
Using terms like they or them when referring to your teams, makes you look bad and create a lack of trust within your team. If your team senses that you think of yourself of separate or different, they won’t trust that you won’t throw them under the bus when the going gets tough.
Building teams on the foundation of trust and empathy, while also being a part of that team, allows you to unlock the best in your people and support the business is the most effective way possible. Don’t fall prey to thinking you are better, different or separate from your teams, you are not only a part of it, but you are also accountable and responsible for their success and failure.
I hope this was helpful! Thanks for being here! Take care!
