Have you ever worked with a leader who was always inviting chaos or a boss who constantly had to create drama at the least instance? With little or no provocation; they can great chaos to the amazement of everyone. The most effective leaders work to create an environment that will stimulate, motivate and develop people—who in turn will bring their best to work.
Surprisingly skilled and qualified bosses and leaders sometimes create chaotic cultures that keep everyone in a heightened state of anxiety and drifts the attention of the team. This can be problematic and emotionally draining especially when there is really no issue.
They may believe that calm cultures mean a lack of activity or purpose—that stress and chaos lead to greater drive and energy. This cannot represent great leadership in any shape or form, it is outmoded and has no place in the 21st business module.
People are better motivated by accomplishment than stress, and that they can accomplish much more when they are at ease in a peaceful and secure environment, but what can you do if your workplace is governed by stress, chaos and drama?
Changing such a culture may be an impossibility, however, these tips can cushion one against any shock that comes with chaotic leadership:
Know yourself: Before you can be an advocate for the processes that help you work most effectively, you have to know what they are. Think about specifics—everything from the noise level to workloads to the way project details are communicated.
Draw a line: Determine your bottom line in regard to what you can and can’t handle. Everyone needs to be able to tolerate some degree of stress and drama, but everyone has limits. When you know where your boundaries lie, you know when you have to speak up—or even walk. Sometimes, it is important to make your position clear.
Resist micromanagement: Except for leaders who are actually incompetent, most workplace chaos stems from micromanagement. It is as a results of insecurity or incompetence; this usually originates with tremendous pressure to produce results. If you want to shield yourself and advocate for an alternate work style, stay focused on results. Delegate and monitor and your team will produce excellent results to your amazement.
Don’t let yourself be squelched: Leaders who tend to dismiss ideas with a “but” create not only chaos but also confusion and apathy. Eventually the bad feelings grow into dissent among employees and disregard for the leader. Learn to keep speaking up and speaking out, and find solutions to every “but,” one at a time. Leaders can stifle initiative and drive when every idea is thrown out of the window.
Look for the best: Chaotic leaders invite us to see the cup as half empty instead of half full. Negative leadership leads to more negativity. Difficult as it may be, work to stay on the side of positivity. Try to always find something good to point out and something positive to contribute. Leaders are the conscience of the business and they must demonstrate positive energy and establish finality on challenges.
Be a role model: Lead by example and set a standard in light of unreasonable expectations. Maintain healthy boundaries for yourself: “I sit 10 minutes before the start of every meeting”. The more you give, the higher the expectation becomes. Step off the vicious cycle; create a balanced life for yourself and kept to it. This builds confidence and trust amongst directs and this will boost employee morale and ensure a sense belongingness.
Acknowledge your worth: Chaotic leaders tend to share a common trait: they’re quick to point out mistakes and shortcomings but slow to acknowledge even extraordinary effort or accomplishment. It’s not only devaluing but it’s the worst kind of leadership. Counteract it by acknowledging your own work and bringing attention to your (and your teammates’) contributions. A tap on the back for a job well done will not hurt a fly but can be the only motivation someone needs to go the extra mile. People also take negative feedback in good faith when they are acknowledge for a positive achievement.
A chaotic culture is a disruptive culture—and does not encourage cohesion. One must adopt diplomacy and tact in dealing with a chaotic leader. Do what you have to do to survive a chaotic leader. Above all, don’t allow yourself to believe that it’s an acceptable way to live or lead. Be different from the narratives and show the way. As with any challenge, do what you have to do. Rise above the dysfunction of existing leadership and be an example of the leadership that can work. If you are getting consumed by the culture, remember, there are best practices out there—exit the establishment.
Source: Bright Ampadu Okyere/LollyDaskal Tel. #: 0244204664 | Email Address: hrtoday@gmail.com
