As a leader, you want to provide as much support as you can to your people. You want them to have everything they need to be successful. However, at what cost are you willing to provide them with what they need? (Really, this is only the beginning of a series I have been looking into)
As I dig into the articles and books about leadership, I discover there are not many discussions about how to put your foot down or how to say no (maybe I’m using the wrong keywords for my searches). Most of the literature argues that leaders should be angels and do everything (a little sarcasm). However, at what cost? Leadership is a relationship. I think we can all agree on that. It is between two or more but often appears to be a one way street.
I recently sent out a survey asking people whether or not they take their subordinates’ problems (emotionally) home with them. First, let me say no one likes taking surveys. Second, this resulted in a tiny population. Only 12 people responded. 66.67% (that is only like eight people) agreed that their subordinates’ problems affect them. 25% (three people) agreed that they do take them home. 50% (six) of my population said they did not have an outlet at work.
My point here is this, although a leader is supposed to be the support and resource for their employees and subordinates, they must also have the ability to say no. At some point, you have to take a moment to breathe and focus on yourself. “No” can be challenging to say to someone who depends on you and relies on you. However, I’m not sure about you (the ones reading this), I can easily say “no” to my children if I don’t want to do something. However, I have a hard time saying “no” to my bosses and my subordinates.
