Promote Differences

Now, why would one want that??? Are we not always trying to work towards creating harmony and camaraderie in our day to day functioning? Haven’t we always been told that let there be common ground? But, I do strongly feel that a lot of issues being faced by us are because we are not promoting differences. Now this is applicable to a lot of situations in our lives, however, let me stick to the professional front in this piece Right from the time all of us start our careers we are told that a good manager/leader is the one who makes the team members realize their true potential.

Unfortunately, as one moves up the ladder one starts believing that the way one is working is “THE” correct way. That it is our “duty/job/right” to make the people in our teams learn “THE” way of working. Somewhere intentionally / unintentionally we tend to lose one key thing which is required to move forward – the power of difference. In today’s dynamic environment where any situation has multiple aspects, different viewpoints can only allow a team to approach the task in a better manner. Each and everyone has their own point of view. If one as a manager is unable to genuinely appreciate the team member’s point of view then one can’t hope to win their respect and trust. As managers/leaders of teams, one has the responsibility of making the team members find their own style.

One does not need to make others copy one’s style but guide them to develop their own style while getting the work done. If the team gets the confidence that their working styles will be promoted we can expect a lot more ownership coming in from the team. Promoting different styles will make the organization far more dynamic and better prepared to take on the dynamic nature of the environment we operate in. It will also create a line of potential leaders who will be in a position to take the organization forward while grooming their second line for the future. Aren’t these things all of us as managers want? A different point of view is most welcome!!!!!