When Leaders Need to Fight
The four types of grown-up fighting and three battlegrounds every leader must be able to win
Co-operation, compromise and connection are essential tools in the leader’s kitbag. If you’re spending most of your time as a leader doing those things, you’re probably getting it right. But if you’re never spending any time at all in conflict, maybe it’s worth looking at where and how you might need to be doing some grown-up style fighting.
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First, the three battlegrounds that you must have control of
That’s YOU – the resources, respect and room to do you what you need to do, to the best of your ability.
Then there’s YOUR TEAM – are you looking out for them; clearing the way and getting them what they need?
And of course YOUR BUSINESS or organisation itself – as well as planting the right seeds, are you fighting to keep your crop healthy, safe from predators and clear of invasive weeds?
Second, the four types of fight you’re going to need to engage in
FAIRNESS – Are you, your team and your business being treated with fairness and respect and not being taken advantage of? If not, you’ve got a fight on your hands!
RESOURCES – Are you, your team and your organisation getting the resources you need to do the job you’ve got to do? If not, where do you need to come out fighting?
DETERMINATION – Are you taking a stand for yourself, for your team and for your business when it matters? If you’re not standing up for all three of those – who is?
COMPETING – Are you, your team and your business able to compete with the strength and flexibility that it takes to win in a complex and inter-connected world? You don’t have to play for a win-lose scenario, but you absolutely can’t be the losers yourselves.
“Where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.”
Mahatma Gandhi