Breaking the Rules to Build Better Teams
Breaking the Rules to Build Better Teams
Real-World Strategies for Challenging Norms and Maximizing Team Potential
As leaders, our role extends far beyond managing tasks and hitting targets. True leadership involves championing our team members, pushing boundaries, and sometimes, breaking the rules for the greater good. Today, I want to share some personal experiences that taught me the power of advocacy and thinking outside the box.
The Cost of Playing It Safe
Early in my career, I faced a situation that still serves as a powerful lesson. I had two exceptional candidates for one open position. Both were stellar, both could have brought immense value to our team. But I made a crucial mistake: I played it safe.
Instead of advocating for both candidates and pushing to create a second position, I chose one and let the other go. I was trapped in the mindset of "this is how things are done" and "we only have budget for one role." Looking back, I realize how short-sighted this was.
The challenge of finding great talent is immense. Having two outstanding candidates right in front of me was an opportunity, not a problem. What I should have done was fight to create another opening. I should have gone to bat for both candidates, showcasing their potential value to the company and arguing for the long-term benefits of bringing both on board.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the "rules" are meant to be challenged. As leaders, it's our job to recognize exceptional opportunities and advocate for them, even if it means pushing against established norms.
Rewriting the Rules: A Bonus Plan Revolution
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself facing another opportunity to advocate for my team. This time, I didn't let it slip by.
Our corporate bonus structure was opaque, disconnected from day-to-day work, and frankly, demotivating. Instead of accepting this as "just the way things are," I decided to create our own bonus plan within our department – one that varied greatly from the established corporate norms.
This new plan was more equitable and provided my team with clarity on how it worked. Even more powerful was that they could see how their daily actions, decisions, and victories directly impacted their bonus potential. It put the power in their hands and aligned their incentives with the company's goals in a tangible way.
In the past, I might have left this idea on the table, daunted by the challenge of pushing it through corporate red tape. But remembering my earlier regrets, I took a different approach. I realized that how we implemented this plan within our team was our business. As long as I didn't exceed my budget, I knew it wouldn't raise red flags.
The results were transformative. Team motivation soared, performance improved, and we created a culture of ownership and accountability. All because I chose to advocate for a better way, even if it meant coloring outside the lines a bit.
Lessons in Advocacy
These experiences taught me several crucial lessons about advocacy in leadership:
Challenge the Status Quo: Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't mean it's the best way. Be willing to question and challenge established norms.
Think Long-Term: Short-term convenience (like hiring only one person because that's what the budget says) can lead to long-term missed opportunities. Always consider the bigger picture.
Be Creative: There's often more than one way to achieve a goal. Don't be afraid to get creative in finding solutions that benefit your team and the company.
Take Calculated Risks: Advocacy often involves some level of risk. Assess the potential benefits against the risks and be willing to stick your neck out for ideas you believe in.
Empower Your Team: Advocacy isn't just about fighting for your ideas – it's about creating systems and structures that empower your team to excel.
The Ripple Effect of Advocacy
When we step up and advocate – for our team members, for better systems, for new ideas – we create a ripple effect. We show our team that we're willing to fight for them and for what's right. This builds trust, loyalty, and a culture of innovation.
Moreover, we set an example. We show other leaders what's possible when you're willing to challenge the status quo. We create new norms that can spread throughout the organization.
Your Call to Action
So, fellow leaders, I challenge you: Where in your organization can you advocate for positive change? What rules need to be rewritten? What opportunities are you letting slip by because "that's just how things are done"?
Remember, advocacy is not just about being a voice for others. It's about being a catalyst for change, a driver of innovation, and a true leader who shapes the future of your team and organization.
Don't wait for permission to advocate. The best opportunities often come from creating them yourself. Be bold, be creative, and most importantly, be an advocate for your team and for what you know is right.
Your team is counting on you. It's time to step up and be the advocate they need.
Josh Anderson
Editor-In-Chief
The Leadership Lighthouse
If you found this topic interesting, I recently discussed advocacy in leadership in more depth on our podcast. Check it out for more insights and strategies on becoming a stronger advocate for your team.
What's your experience with advocacy in leadership? Have you ever broken the rules for the greater good of your team? Share your stories in the comments below – let's learn from each other and build a community of strong, advocating leaders.