As a leader or coach, you understand the immense responsibility that comes with guiding others. But let me ask you this: Are you leading reactively or creatively? The difference between these two approaches can make or break your effectiveness, and ultimately, the success of your organization.
The Leadership Circle framework, developed by Bob Anderson and Bill Adams, is one of the most powerful tools available for understanding and enhancing leadership effectiveness. It’s been a game-changer for many, myself included. At LeadershipSmarts, we've been using The Leadership Circle 360 tool with our clients for almost 20 years, and for good reason—it’s a solid foundation that helps leaders break free from limiting patterns and step into a higher level of leadership.
My book, The Art of Alignment: A Practical Guide to Inclusive Leadership, was largely inspired by the two decades I've spent coaching leaders using the Leadership Circle model. And I want to share with you how combining these tools with alignment practices can truly transform your leadership.
Understanding the Leadership Circle
The Leadership Circle framework breaks down leadership styles into two primary modes: reactive and creative. Here’s the reality—reactive leadership is driven by external pressures, fear, and a need to control. You might recognize it in behaviors like micromanagement or a defensive posture, which stifle innovation and collaboration within your team.
But creative leadership is different. It’s proactive, vision-driven, and guided by a clear sense of purpose and values. This style of leadership empowers those around you, fostering an environment where your team can thrive and bring their best ideas to the table.
Embody Creative Leadership with Alignment Practices
So how do you shift from reactive to creative leadership? That’s where alignment comes in. The alignment practices I teach are all about creating agreement and cooperation among your team members toward a common goal. It’s about ensuring everyone understands and is committed to the shared vision, mission, and strategic objectives of your organization.
True alignment is inclusive and participatory. It requires open dialogue, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to shared goals. One of the core principles I emphasize in alignment is iterative co-creation. This means reaching alignment isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuous, dynamic process that evolves through repeated cycles of co-creation. This keeps alignment relevant and responsive to the changing needs of your organization.
When you, as a leader, embrace these alignment practices, you naturally embody the creative competencies highlighted in the top half of the Leadership Circle model. Here’s how:
Relating: Alignment fosters strong relationships through open dialogue and mutual respect. By engaging your team in co-creation, you build trust and rapport, which are essential for creative leadership.
Authenticity: Alignment requires you to be genuine and transparent, fostering an environment of authenticity. This honesty promotes trust and engagement.
Systems Awareness: When you invite players from across the system to help co-creatively solve problems, you naturally tune into the wider impact of your decisions. Alignment practices make involving more players efficient and effective.
Strategic Thinking: Leading strategically is about using your resources wisely to reach your goals. Alignment helps your team clarify their level of commitment, ensuring that you’re focusing on projects that truly matter.
Achieving: Alignment ensures everyone is working toward common goals, enhancing your ability to achieve objectives. You empower your team to contribute creatively to these goals.
Collaborating: Alignment involves guiding and mentoring your team through the co-creation process. This coaching mindset develops individual capabilities and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Decisiveness: Alignment practices help any group, regardless of size, come to an agreement and commit with confidence.
Avoiding Reactive Tendencies
By focusing on these simple alignment practices, you’ll naturally avoid the reactive tendencies that can hold your team back:
Controlling: Instead of micromanaging, aligned leaders empower their teams by clarifying roles, fostering autonomy, and trusting their capabilities.
Protecting: Create a safe environment for open dialogue, reducing the need for defensive behaviors.
Complying: Alignment encourages flexibility and adaptability, freeing your team from rigid structures and fostering a more dynamic culture.
Conclusion
The journey from reactive to creative leadership is transformative, and alignment practices play a crucial role in this evolution. By fostering a shared vision, encouraging open dialogue, building trust, empowering your team, and driving continuous improvement, you can create a culture where creative leadership thrives. Embracing these practices not only enhances your leadership effectiveness but also propels your entire organization toward greater innovation, collaboration, and success. You’ll effectively utilize all the creative competencies while steering clear of reactive tendencies, ensuring a robust and progressive organizational environment.
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