Ever gone solo? To a party? See a play? In a restaurant? On a trip?
I recently went on a work trip driving around Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. After leaving Milwaukee, I stopped in Marinette, Marquette (MI), Superior, and La Crosse, WI, within four days. I drove early in the morning and after dark.
I experienced fantastic sunrises from my hotel room and gorgeous sunsets from the road. I passed five deer who thankfully stayed on the side of the road and didn't dart out.
I ate at some local restaurants that had a flair for their community, history, and people. I visited with some hard-working people who believe in and practice the ministry of The Salvation Army.
I stopped in thrift stores, vintage and antique shops, record stores, and strip malls to shop. I slept at safe, accomodating hotels and enjoyed coffee at my favorite place - Starbucks!
While sitting in a car for hours was tiresome, I enjoyed music, practiced karaoke, and pondered over podcasts on the radio. What did I discover about myself? That I completed a four-day solo trip and would do it again!
I think about solo leadership. Would I do that again? I was "boots on the ground" in a department alone for years. I had a supervisor and interacted with him frequently, but I felt so alone at times as I didn't have a team to work with or to lead. Going solo doesn't mean being alone, but it felt like it.
"We are living in a world of increasing uncertainty, characterized by a process of sudden, threatening change. One person can no longer comprehend everything or provide the direction that can cover all occasions."
Dr Meredith Belbin | Team Roles at Work, 1993
In a blog about "7 reasons why collaborative leadership beats solo leadership hands down" (Belbin), the author outlines the following:
Collaborative leaders play to their strengths and empower their teams to do the same.
Team leadership foregrounds humility...and humble 'servant leaders' get results.
Team leadership promotes diversity - and reaps the rewards.
Collaborative leaders increase ownership, accountability, and engagement.
Collaborative leadership centers on effective delegation.
Team leadership moves teams beyond the limitations of hierarchical structures.
Team leadership is future-proof and offers a greater bulwark against uncertainty.
While I always encourage reading the whole article (https://www.belbin.com/resources/articles-directory/solo-vs-team-leadership), I was hoping you could consider the titles of each section.
Going solo is NOT how we should approach leadership anymore. Even if you are that lone person in your department, engage with colleagues, find a support group, a cohort, or a network of vested individuals willing to share knowledge, feedback, and critique.
We weren't designed to go it alone, so don't. Find your collective leadership group and lead!
What She Said ~ Beverly
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