Harness the Strength of the Pyramid

Typically we think of an organizational structure as a pyramid, where the leader is at the top.

Two big mistakes leaders make is believing that they’re always at the top of the pyramid and that their team exists to support them and make them successful.

They fall into the trap of believing that because they’re the leader, that they’re supposed to have all the answers, make all the decisions, and call all the shots. That’s faulty thinking! 

When thinking about the typical pyramid arrangement, your role, as the leader, is to set vision and direction for your team. 

That includes keeping your team focused on:

• Purpose
• Core Values
• Vision and mission
• Goals / Objectives
• Strategies and Roadmap to Success

But that’s not the whole story. To get the complete picture of your role as a leader, you also must flip the pyramid upside down. When the pyramid is flipped, your role is serving and supporting your team and stakeholders so that they are successful in their roles.

This includes:

• Removing Roadblocks
• Proactively Communicating
• Resolving Issues and Problems
• Providing Encouragement and Recognition
• Celebrating Progress

As a leader, you need to be setting vision and direction for your team AND serving and supporting them.

If you apply the 80/20 rule to the pyramid, you'll be spending 20% of your time setting vision and direction and 80% of your time serving and supporting your team and stakeholders who are depending on you to lead. 

Harness the strength of the pyramid.