Leadership by Getting Out of the Way

Leadership comes in many forms and styles and each style has different effects on those being led.  Though I believe there isn’t a “one size fits all” leadership style that everyone should adhere to and/or always use under all circumstances, I do think different types or styles produce greater results most of the time.  One leadership style that I have seen be effective and has been a topic around my place of work lately is something that I call “leading by getting out of the way.”

Leading by “getting out of the way” is really what it sounds like.  It is a leader who believes in those they are leading.  It means they do not feel a need to always be hovering over their people or constantly critiquing, checking, approving, and correcting.  This leader helps when needed but also monitors progress from a distance and allows people room to make mistakes and learn from them.

This type of leadership style shows trust in others and allows them to take ownership for results.  For example, rather than always telling people how to do things, this leadership style defines the desired end results and allows others to determine how to most effectively get there.  People crave this level of trust from their leaders and often resent a leader who is always at their side giving commands, and never allows for ingenuity.    

This style of leadership looks up at people rather than down and reduces “bottle-necking” which so many leaders unintentionally create.   Because of the trust given using this style, people are able to thrive and take pride in their work.  This style of leadership allows people to feel good about the contributions they are making and creates a sense of worth.  Leaders who “get out of way” find that people really do want to do a good job and can be self-motivated to achieve great outcomes. 

As leaders, many times we get what we expect from our people.  If we do not expect much, and feel we always have to “be in the way”, then results will probably reflect that.  However, leaders who “get out of way” show they expect a lot from their people and that they believe in them.   

In the end, I believe leadership by “getting out of the way” is an effective leadership style to implement under most circumstances.  And I believe all of us are leaders in at least some way in our life whether it is to our children, our friends, our families, or at work.  If we are struggling in our leadership responsibilities, I suggest we consider this style.  Rather than being “in the way”, “let’s get out of the way” and help those we lead the best we can.