Sync's sixteenth e-bulletin easy read - nine 'boxes' of Leading
This week we are looking at different ways to think about leading.
Imagine putting each different part of leading in a different box - we've got nine boxes to share with you!
We are doing this so people can work out what they need to work on next. Some people are great at leading in one area, but not so strong in other areas.
Imagine a pile of nine boxes - three rows of three. The main box is right in the middle.
This main box is about how you behave at work - leading by doing.
To the right - we have leading into the future - how do you as a leader make sure your work goes on and on?
To the left we have leading a team - how do you make sure the team of people you work with are all ok - you can't make them all happy all the time, but its your job to look out for them.
The top row
So if the bottom row is all about us - what's the top row all about?
This row is all about the people we can influence. Some times we can change people's minds, or give them things to think about, even when we aren't their bosses or don't work for them. We can influence what they think.
And again we have a row of three boxes.
The middle one is about influencing people by the way we behave. By seeing you at work, many people will change their minds about what they think disabled people can do and can achieve.
The one to the right is about influencing the future - you might get involved in a campaign or a project thats about making sure change happens for the next generation of people coming up.
And the one to the left is about linking in to what other people feel. You can change people's feeling about disabled people too.
The bottom row
But you leading at work is only part of the picture.
You can only be a great leader, and lead for a long time, if you make sure you look after yourself.
The bottom row is all about you!
The middle box is about how you behave. You can't just be a leader at work - do you show the same skills at home and with your friends?
The right hand one is again about the future - what do you want to happen in your future? This may be different than for your work, and thats ok.
And the left hand one is about how you feel about you - do you know why you want what you want? Do you know why you do what you do?
Using the 'boxes'
So thats the nine boxes.
How can they help you?
Think about what you do which might link to each box – which ‘boxes’ are you strong in? Which areas do you need to support, to develop?
It can be a great idea to talk this through with other people as they can help you see what fits in where!
The boxes help some people see that you don't need to be a particular person to be a leader. You just need to be you, and to keep working to make you the best you can be.
What do you want to do next?
Think about the boxes and maybe think about which ones you want to get stronger in.
What can you do to get better at being a leader?
If you don't have much in the top layer of boxes - influencing others - think about what groups you can join that can help this. Is there a campaign you can join or an advisory group you can get involved with?
Or if you think you need to concentrate on you (your bottom line), then maybe think of someone you can talk to who will help you work out what you really want out of life?
If you want to meet other disabled people who are leaders, and share ideas, find out when the next leadership meeting is - and come along and share what you think.
Jo Verrent
Sync project manager
