Leadership is all about having a winning team, unfortunately some leaders are more focused on their individual wins and stats than they are getting a team win. This is played out in many different ways. What I’m specifically referring to is the mindset and philosophy that some leaders have—the thought process that basically boils down to “I’m Not Buying In Because It’s Not My Idea.”
These particular leaders will turn down, refuse to entertain or flat out dismiss any idea that’s not their own. If it didn’t come directly from them, it’s not happening. What occurs in these types of situations is team members will eventually stop bringing great ideas to the table, because they already know what the answer will be. Some team members are witty enough and have the patience to circumvent this inept type of leadership by manipulating the leader into thinking an idea originated from them. Voilà! All of the sudden the leader is excited about their new concept.
Leadership is about collaboration and remembering that teamwork makes dreams work. If a leader relies on their ideas to be the only ideas that are implemented, their area of responsibility and organization has a very short ceiling. Leadership is about celebrating the wins of others, giving credit where credit is due and understanding it doesn’t matter who makes the play. The goal is to get a win.
I’m Not Buying In Because It’s Not My Idea is a very bad idea.
Have you experienced this type of leadership? Share your thoughts!
