Evolving Perspectives
Douglas Ferguson
President @ Voltage Control | Facilitation Academy | Author | Educator
Leaders, we have a problem. Many of us comfortably take on the role of problem solvers and can even revel in troubleshooting our team’s challenges. In traditional workplaces, this easily becomes default behavior. However, leaders who solve every workplace challenge leave no space for teams to share in problem-solving and collaborative decision-making.
While not every decision leaders make can be delegated, leaders must evolve their perspectives and not rob teams of the opportunity to grow and embrace collaboration.
Successful team leaders hold space for team members to find solutions to challenges. Holding space for team members is essential in leadership and gives every team member a voice regardless of background or title. This means letting go of judgment and relinquishing control when needed. Having these conversations can be difficult to approach. Download our guide to navigating tough topics that will strengthen the trust you’re building and allow you to hold space for your team effectively.
Here are more ways to better hold space and empower team members to engage in collaborative problem-solving.
1. Listen up. Active listening is one of the most prominent challenges leaders face. This is because we’re so ready to jump into problem-solving mode. But to truly hold space, you must turn your full attention to your team.
2. Encouragement. Not every team member will immediately take up the space you offer them. Sometimes it does involve checking in and encouraging individuals to offer their perspectives, as long as they’re comfortable. If mistakes are made in the collaborative decision-making process, turn them into teachable moments and provide constructive feedback.
3. Stay open-minded. Part of holding space is shifting perceptions. Welcoming the perspectives that come with creating space will lead to overcoming blind spots and offer valuable insight into unseen possibilities.
4. Create a common goal. While opening space means welcoming different perspectives, reminding staff of the organization’s overarching goals is also helpful. Establish milestones to measure and assess progress in team projects. Don’t forget to celebrate wins.
5. Be vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to demonstrate vulnerability. There’s strength in vulnerability, and it builds trust when teams see a more human side to their leaders. This can include showing genuine emotions and being transparent with challenges. Take a look at our latest blog post highlighting how leaders can strengthen their soft skills like vulnerability and honesty.
When you hold space for your team, you’re creating a safety net for staff to feel cared for and safe. Not only will you cultivate safety, but you also foster an ownership mentality within the team. That’s why it’s abundantly important that leaders give space, not take it.
Douglas Ferguson | President, Voltage Control
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