Leadership in Context

Place is the most variable of our key COMPASS elements - it refers to the context in which you’re operating, which of course, is ever-changing. Whilst it can include the geography, region, country and culture of the physical location you're in, it also includes the nature of the work-  the challenge you’re facing, the hierarchical structures of the organization, your position, and the people around you. A good leader needs to be able to quickly assess the situation and align their leadership so that it works for their context.

Leadership in context is the ability to adapt and refine your leadership to whatever context you find yourself in- knowing that what worked for you in one situation, won't necessarily work somewhere else. So, how can you practice leadership in context, to exercise that muscle and adapt more easily to new situations?

Be present

Whilst it could be argued that a skill is a skill – active listening, for example, remains a similar skill wherever you are, and whoever you are with - the context is ever changing. To  understand the issues and challenges -the reality- of the context, you need to be present, whilst also being able to draw on past experiences and reflect on how you reacted, what worked, and what didn’t.

Trial and Error

A friend recently told me about becoming the chair of governors of a local primary school. She adopted the same leadership style as she did with her team of  sales staff at her day job, with big income targets to hit. Of course, when she turned around to look for the other governors, they were nowhere to be seen. She quickly learned that the leadership needed to motivate and encourage her team in the workplace was very different to that of a board of trustees...

Timing

Timing is also important-  are you in a situation where  a quick decision is needed, meaning some voices don’t get heard? Or do you have time for careful consideration, and the opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts and opinions?

Be curious

The strongest leaders understand the bigger picture of the context they’re in, which always requires curiosity;  you need to dial up your antenna, ask questions to understand the situation, and weigh up the best course of action. By suspending your assumptions, listening carefully to what is being said (and not said), practicing empathy and seeking to understand the positions of those around you,  you'll be able to get to the crux of your context; understanding not just what people want and need from you, but why.

Be self-aware

You need to understand how your leadership is affecting others in your particular context. Do you need to be more or less directive? Offer solutions, or let others problem solve?  Seek feedback on how you’re doing, and have the confidence to know that  you might not always get it right first time. It’s okay to make mistakes and experiment- after all, no one is an expert in every context, so feeling like a fish out of water is par for the course. It’s also a sign that you’re brave enough to lead in a variety of situations- not just those you’re used to, or comfortable in. That in itself is worth applauding!