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What To Do When You Are Struggling To Get Support As A Leader
As a leader you know and understand that the extent to which you deliver results depends on getting the buy-in and support of many stakeholders. The stakeholders will vary depending on the type of organisation and include peers, the media, analysts, external reviewers and even the public.
So if you are struggling to get support as a leader what can you do?
Review Your Core Message
You may well think that your vision, aims or objectives are crystal clear. Yet sometimes what might seem crystal clear to you might lack any real clarity for others. When receiving messages most people start from a perspective of what your proposals mean for them. If your message does not address this it might be time to re-think it.
Get Some External Perspectives
It’s really easy to become attached to your message. After all you are probably passionate about it. You might be blind to the flaws in what you are proposing. Sometimes, getting an external perspective from someone who is a step removed can make a big difference.
Ask People To Share Their Concerns
People (or at least the vast majority) don’t object or resist just for the sake of it. Usually it is because they have worries or concerns. If you are willing to listen to those concerns, acknowledge them and explain how you are going to handle them it can result in significant progress.
Be Willing To Adapt
Yes you have your principles, your values, your desires, etc. At the same time you have to be willing to compromise from time to time. Be clear about what you will see as negotiable and be willing to adapt.
Get People Involved
People can either be part of the problem or part of the solution. Standing on the sidelines and criticising is easy. Of ten getting people to buy-in involved can be the step that gets things moving forward.
The Bottom Line: Getting the buy-in and support of others is essential to achieving results as a leader and in reality is a big challenge.
Duncan Brodie helps accountants and other professionals to beome better leaders. You can sign up for his free audio e-course here
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.