Adaptability in leadership style is key

I have repeatedly told my clients that if they are to get the best out of each of their employees, they need to understand that adaptability in leadership style from one staff member to another is critical if they want to achieve success.  When it comes to leading and communicating for high performance, there is no such thing as “one size fits all”.  Consider the following story I often tell to make this point.

The king and his coronation robe

There was once a king who ruled an ancient kingdom for many years. It was a beautiful kingdom with sparkling streams, majestic mountains, and verdant forests. As the king’s reign neared 25 years, his courtiers decided to celebrate the Silver Jubilee with great pomp and circumstance. They planned a celebration that the kingdom had never before seen – they would re-create the original coronation of the king, but this time, it would be far more magnificent and extravagant than it was 25 years ago.

Plans were made – the event would take place outside in a natural valley against a spectacular backdrop of fir trees. All the king’s subjects would be able to gather around the sides of the valley and look down and see the king be crowned once again. The royal tailor was assigned the task of sewing the official coronation gown. He created a masterpiece in green velvet, with ermine and rabbit fur dyed to match. For weeks before the event, there was a stir in the kingdom, and every one could feel the anticipation build.

One week before the big event, the king participated in a full dress-rehearsal. At that point, a noble in the kingdom happened to point out to the king that his royal green robe was blending into the greenery of the backdrop, thus not making him as visible as a king should be. The hapless noble was immediately banished to the far reaches of the kingdom, and the king, being the king, ordered that all the fir trees in the valley should be painted red!

Wait! That sounds very foolish, doesn’t it? Most of us would ask the logical question – why didn’t the king just get a new robe? A gown in scarlet velvet would have been just as regal, and far easier to obtain than painting every tree!

Adaptability in leadership style is key to more successful outcomes

But hang on a minute. Are you perhaps being the king?  How many times have you noticed that you’re not getting the results you want with a particular employee or co-worker, and yet you expect the employee or coworker to change? Have you considered changing your approach first? It’s a lot easier to change your robe, than have all the trees in the kingdom painted red!

It’s a lot easier to change your leadership approach than to expect others to conform to your style.  In fact, the best leaders know that the key to exceptional leadership is to flex your leadership and communication approach to fit the individual.  Don’t lose sight of the easier option: be flexible to changing your style of leadership if it doesn’t meet the needs of that particular individual or situation.  Adaptability in leadership style is key to high performance and successful outcomes with ALL your employees.

Upon reflection, are there times when you are being the king?  Perhaps the greater question is whether you’re willing to admit it.  I’d love to know more if you’re willing to share.  Or perhaps you’ve observed this phenomenon in others in your workplace?  We can all learn from one another, so please add your comment below.