In a world where change is constant and disruption is the norm, leaders are being called to navigate their teams through challenging terrain much like Sherpas guiding climbers up Mount Everest. Chris Williams, COO of Interaction Associates, emphasizes the importance of adopting a facilitative leadership model that empowers leaders to involve their teams in decision-making while maintaining accountability for results. These facilitative leaders are collaborative, strategic, receptive, flexible, and share responsibility for success, much like the essential qualities of a Sherpa.
To effectively lead during times of change, Williams outlines seven specific behaviors that make a facilitative leader. These include creating and communicating an inspiring vision of the future, managing and evaluating using a balanced approach, involving people appropriately in decision-making, considering the optimal route from A to B, guiding discussions and encouraging participation, listening, coaching and facilitating clear thinking, and celebrating successes and giving authentic acknowledgment.
Facilitative leadership is not about passivity, but rather active and others-oriented leadership that guides teams through challenging conditions until they reach success. Williams believes that leaders need to adopt this approach in order to help their teams navigate change effectively and reach their full potential. By being a guide and leveraging their skills and experiences, leaders can chart a path that leads their team to success.
Forbes Business Council, the leading organization for business owners and leaders, underscores the importance of adopting a facilitative leadership model in today’s ever-changing business landscape. By embodying the qualities of a Sherpa, leaders can build trust among their teams, model collaborative behavior, and provide the necessary guidance and support for their teams to achieve their goals. In the face of increasing disruption and uncertainty, facilitative leadership is the key to helping organizations thrive in the years ahead.
