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A Great Leader Knows When Following is the Right Choice
How much more fun might your life be if you don't always have to be the boss? But turning that leadership switch off can be challenging for some owners. Our Wellness Blogger Mary Wilson shares when it's a good idea to take the back seat, and why it might be a positive move for both you and your business.
by Mary Wilson
October 9, 2024
Mary Wilson
3 min to read
Mary Wilson
Recently, my husband and I were honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Midwest Hairstyling Awards and the very next weekend, I was on stage sweeping hair and supporting educators under the expert direction and leadership of Gerard Scarpaci at the HB Fest in Palm Springs, CA. This got me thinking about the ability to do both with enthusiasm and pride. For me, both were a great honor and brought me personal pleasure.
As leaders, we often feel like we always have to be in charge and have all the answers in order to maintain control and move forward. We might find it hard to allow others to do for us. We could find our ego telling us that we are too experienced, too advanced, and even perhaps too afraid to not be in control. Leadership coaches and experts tell us that this is simply not true. There is great value in following some of the time, rather than feeling the constant burden of responsibility being the boss carries with it.
How much more fun might life be if you don’t always have to be the boss? Are you ready to take the challenge and jump in the backseat once in awhile and enjoy the ride?
How do you know when to drop the leader title and allow yourself to follow?
When you are outside of your business in a social settings or on vacation, practice letting others take charge.
When you are unsure of the right direction, ask for input and if they are up for it let others take the lead once a decision has been made.
When you see a team member doing something new and unique, show humility by asking them to share what they are doing with you, and then if you see value for the entire team, ask them to share with everyone.
When the stakes are not high and you can allow the team to experiment with new ideas and then decide whether or not to implement.
Mary Wilson
Why might this be good for your business?
Great leaders know that team work makes the dream work and everyone needs to have the same dream, or at least buy in to yours. Working collaboratively will ensure a shared vision. Becoming a servant leader means you take pleasure in serving and supporting others. By being observant, kind, hard-working yourself and supportive you will gain trust and build a solid team.
Collaborative leaders have less stress on themselves. It’s hard to take all of the burden on yourself. The closer you are with your team, the better you know what everyone thinks and how you can lead better.
Mary Wilson
Why is this good for you personally?
Dropping the boss mode in your personal life can create deeper friendship, opportunities to try new things and have more fun. Let someone else plan the day, plan the vacation, make the dinner reservations and enjoy!
About the Author:Mary Wilson has been a beauty industry pro for 40 years and has contributed in many arenas including marketing, sales, education, communication and presentation skills. She has always believed the very best way to find overall happiness is to create authentic beauty while maintaining your own physical, mental and emotional health. In addition to being a beauty industry leader, Mary has been a certified yoga teacher for the past 10 years, leading wellness retreats and teaching yoga, breath work. reiki and energy healing. Since launching Wilson Collective in 2019, Mary has embarked on sharing her message directly with stylist and salon owners by traveling the country in an RV with her partner and husband and sharing the Wilson Brand, teaching the Wilson Method of Haircutting, as well as Styling and Wellness.
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