Being a relational leader is vital to success. The more you lead, the more you depend on relationship skills rather than technical skills. However, many leaders can be lured into focusing on tasks instead of people. One of my clients knows that the busier she gets, the more task focused she gets. She has to guard against then treating people as obstacles vs. solutions to success. Keeping a relational mindset is vital to her success.
I have another client who doesn’t confront others because he fears that others will get angry with him. He thinks that by not confronting, he is being relational oriented by protecting the relationship from tension. But in reality he is practicing self-protection. In order to help a team mate grow to be their best, they need to be confronted. Keeping a relational mindset is vital to his success also.
Here are the characteristics of a relational mindset:
Relational leaders realize their limitations & seek outside support
A strong relational leader will build a team around them of others who have strengths they don’t have. They don’t have to be the expert in everything and defer to others.
Relational leaders have humility – Admit when they are wrong
A strong relational leader will realize when they are wrong. Instead of hiding it, blaming others or rationalizing it, they admit it. They also apologize when a wrong has hurt another person.
Relational Leaders believe in the value of others
A strong relational leader demonstrates the value they see in others by listening. They seek to understand from another person’s perspective. They see it as an opportunity to continually improve.
Relational leaders see their own need to improve to grow in integrity
A strong relational leader spends time in personal reflection and planning. They make sure that they are seeking to put the mission first and not being self-serving. They reflect on their behaviors to make sure they reflect the organization’s values.
Relational leaders seeks to empower others
A strong relational leader wants others to flourish and apply their strengths. They do not micromanage but instead build trust and allow creativity.
Relational leaders are confident in their own beliefs so that they can challenge others positively
A strong relational leader will lead others in change when a system needs to be challenged. They will give constructive feedback.
Relational leaders look to share leadership
A strong relational leader is a team builder who then shares leadership with others. They build a network of relationships inside and outside of the organization.
Relational leaders encourage others in a shared vision
A strong relational leader has a strong vision that they can clearly communicate to others. They inspire others to reach the vision together.
A leader is someone who influences others in a greater cause. You are not a leader if no one is following. When we simply focus on tasks, we get one thing done at a time. When we focus on relationships, our impact multiplies. The more we grow into a relational mindset, the more effective we become in reaching our vision.