One of the biggest myths I’ve encountered when working with clients is that self-management means everyone must solve their challenges alone. That couldn’t be further from the truth. While self-management empowers individuals, it also relies on strong, visible leadership to help guide the team through challenges and opportunities.
According to a Harvard Business Review article, The Hard Truth About Leadership (2020), leadership is still crucial even in flat or decentralised organisations. The role of leadership shifts from directing every action to facilitating growth, ensuring the team has what they need to succeed..
Many people assume that self-management replaces the need for leadership altogether, but self-management can’t thrive in isolation. Leaders are still needed to provide guidance, hold the vision, and offer support. Leadership becomes about creating conditions for success, rather than controlling every detail. My approach to working with clients involves helping leaders cultivate this mindset shift, moving from control to facilitation, and enabling teams to thrive independently while still being guided by a clear vision.
Redefining Leadership: Holding Space for Vision and Purpose
One of the most important roles for a leader in self-management is holding space for the organisation’s vision and purpose. This requires leaders to stay deeply connected to their core mission, which can sometimes be hard amidst daily pressures, shifting markets, and interpersonal dynamics.
To refocus on the vision, I encourage leaders to take a step back and ask themselves: "What inspires me and my team to do what we do?" It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations and forget the larger purpose that initially drove the business forward. Practical steps such as setting aside regular time for reflection, gathering input from your team, and using creative tools like mind mapping can help leaders reconnect with their purpose.
Studies show that purpose-driven companies outperform their competitors. A 2019 report by Deloitte highlights that companies with a strong sense of purpose are more resilient, agile, and innovative. Leadership, in this context, is not about issuing directives but about creating an environment where purpose remains at the forefront of everything the organisation does.
For example, many of my previous clients have found that redefining their leadership in this way has helped them foster a more engaged and productive workforce. By holding the vision and providing the space for teams to innovate, leaders enable their organisations to grow in ways they hadn’t imagined.
Conclusion: Redefining Leadership To Maintain Vision & Purpose
Leadership within self-management frameworks isn’t about control; it’s about maintaining a clear vision and a shared sense of purpose. When we redefine leadership, we shift away from traditional, hierarchical notions and move towards a more dynamic role—one that focuses on nurturing ideas, empowering teams, and holding space for long-term growth.
If you’re looking to redefine leadership in your organisation, I can help guide you through this transformative journey. Contact me today, and let’s explore how we can cultivate leadership that aligns with the purpose and vision of your business.
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