Wingman Leadership: Setting the Course and Building Shared Understanding

SEASON 1 - POST 3
Wingman Leadership: Setting the Course and Building Shared Understanding

Introduction

In our previous discussion, we introduced the Wingman Leadership framework: an innovative approach to decentralized leadership.

Today, we focus on two critical factors that significantly influence leadership effectiveness: Setting Direction and Building Shared Understanding. These elements act as your leadership GPS, guiding you and your team toward your objectives.

Section 1: Defining a Vision & Setting Direction - The Preeminent Role of a Leader

Why Setting Direction Matters

Effective leaders don't just issue orders; they establish a course that enables their teams to operate independently. What does setting direction mean in decentralized leadership? It involves creating a clear, actionable vision that serves as a reference point for each team member. Forbes states that effective leaders articulate the direction and then empower their teams to determine the best routes to achieve it.

The Clarity of Vision

A vision should be clear and actionable. Think of it as defining the end goal and then communicating it to your team. Drawing from my experience as a fighter pilot, the mission's objective was always the focal point. Success hinged on everyone having a clear understanding of that objective. Your goal is to create a vision so clear that it guides decision-making, even when circumstances are uncertain.

Accountability in Setting Direction

Creating a clear vision and establishing a path toward it is a leader's primary role, followed by decision-making and accountability. It's time for leaders to take initiative. Be deliberate in shaping your vision and standing by it. Thoughtful Leader points out that setting direction has several often-overlooked benefits, including increased team alignment and motivation.

Section 2: Building a Shared Understanding - The Missing Link

The Importance of Regular Communication

A vision is effective only when it's consistently communicated. Regular, clear communication ensures that the vision stays top-of-mind for your team, serving as a constant reference point that aligns individual actions with organizational objectives.

Building a Common Language

Effective communication is the cornerstone of high-performing teams. However, this can be compromised by various barriers such as vague language, cultural nuances, or the absence of common terminology. In high-stakes professions like law, medicine or the military, specialized terminologies serve to eliminate ambiguity and minimize risks. This is not always the case in the corporate sector. Building a common language is more than just a set of terms; it evolves into a strategic asset that aligns teams, facilitates clear communication and supports shared understanding.

Creating a Shared Worldview

To make decisions that align with the vision, your team needs a shared understanding of the world they operate in. This goes beyond terminology; it's about worldview. It's about ensuring that everyone is on the same page, both literally and metaphorically.

Conclusion

Leaders, as you embark on transforming your organizational culture, remember that setting direction and building a shared understanding are not just initial steps; they are ongoing processes that require continuous effort and adaptation. In our next installment, we'll explore the bedrock of any strong leadership model: Building Trust and Giving Clear Guidance.

Additional Supporting Materials for Further Reading

1. Good Leaders Give Directions; Great Leaders Give Direction - Forbes

2. The Power of Setting a Direction For Your Team - Thoughtful Leader

3. Shared understanding: finding the "why" behind the "what" - Atlassian