As a leader, you need to expect chaos. When I was a school principal, I often had to prioritize and address unexpected issues that came up. It didn’t matter that my calendar was perfectly aligned, color-coded, and focused on all the right priorities. When the issues came, I had to adapt. On any day, I had to work through resignations, student discipline, budget issues, and last-minute requests from the district office. Early on, I learned an important lesson: effective leaders create structure out of chaos.
Your Staff Requires Structure
Everybody benefits from structure. No student wants to enter a classroom and wonder if they will be able to learn. No leader wants to enter a meeting and wonder if they will be able to accomplish their goals. And no staff member wants to walk into their workplace and wonder if they will be able to do their job.
Structure provides a sense of predictability and stability. This allows everyone to feel more secure and able to focus on their tasks and responsibilities. It also helps to ensure that goals and objectives are met efficiently and effectively. Ultimately, structure results in a more productive and successful organization.
The Role of the Leader
As a leader, you are not a crutch that others can lean on whenever they stumble or fall. You are not there to catch them every time they make a mistake, or to bail them out of difficult situations. You are there to help them get back up and to support them as they strive to achieve their goals.
Think of yourself as the rubber that provides the traction and stability that others need to move forward. You are the one who creates the instructions for the manual. And you provide the frameworks and guidelines that others can follow to achieve success. You are the one who helps others to see the big picture. And you encourage others to take risks and to try new things.
5 Ways Effective Leaders Create Structure out of Chaos
- Establish clear goals and objectives for the organization: This helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same purpose and that efforts are aligned.
- Develop systems and processes that enable others to succeed: By having a clear set of procedures in place, it is easier for staff members to understand what is expected of them and how to achieve it.
- Provide clear guidance and direction: This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that everyone knows what is expected of them.
- Empower others to take ownership of their own success: By giving others the autonomy and resources they need to succeed, they will be more likely to take ownership of their own success.
- Provide a stable and predictable environment: By providing the resources necessary to succeed, staff members will be more likely to achieve their goals.
Effective Leaders Create Structure
Creating structure is a vital aspect of leadership. It helps to provide a sense of predictability and stability, enabling everyone to feel more secure and focused on their tasks and responsibilities. Effective leaders understand that creating structure is not about imposing control or micromanaging. Creating structure is about providing the necessary support and guidance for others to achieve their full potential.
Time to Commit
- How do you think creating structure can help leaders achieve their goals and objectives?
- How can leaders effectively empower their staff members to take ownership of their own success while still providing the necessary guidance and support?
