It’s natural to gravitate to those who share your interests, beliefs and values. They affirm your strategic thinking and understand the reasoning behind your decisions without much explanation required. They seem to work in synergy with you, operating from an unspoken understanding of what needs to be done next to stay aligned to your vision. These are the individuals you want on your executive team, right?
Maybe not. Leaders shouldn’t hear “yes” all the time. Harvard Business Review warns against filling your inner-circle with “Reflectors” – those who “mirror the CEO.” (Source) If your executive team lacks differing perspectives or a willingness to respectfully challenge ideas, you’re living in an echo chamber rather than having your ideas refined through honest feedback. Gallup argues it’s critical for leaders to “acknowledge people who are willing to productively and respectfully disagree, and open a discussion that leads to a better solution.” (Source)
C.S. Lewis wrote about the importance of finding a “second friend” who brings a completely contrary opinion to every situation, but in doing so, earns your admiration and respect. He writes, “He has read all the right books but has got the wrong thing out of every one... Actually (though it never seems so at the time) you modify one another's thought; out of this perpetual dogfight a community of mind and a deep affection emerge."
As a leader in your workplace, where can you find these bright minds who will critically engage around your ideas with you when the stakes are high? Certainly this is a trait you should be cultivating and hiring for as you develop leaders in your company. But beyond that, you should look to leaders in other industries who are likely to have navigated situations similar to yours, but from a context specific to their industry. They can offer fresh thinking and a different perspective to you and your business.
Convene Teams function in this way. Peer-level leaders spanning industries gather monthly to invest into their spiritual growth and leadership development, while also ideating with each other around strategic initiatives, crises and opportunities. These teams take to heart the proverb stating, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
Leaders are not meant to live and lead in isolation. We have been called to exist within community, and a call to community is a call to welcoming contrary opinions and offering your own when it’s in the best interest of the team.
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