When working with people to help them become more successful leaders, I also provide my clients the tools they need to enhance their professional effectiveness with their teams. After all, improved outcomes are the natural result of better teamwork, right? Yes. Except when…
The exception occurs when someone realizes the direction their organization is taking is no longer in alignment with their values. In such a case, you must decide if you are still on the right team or not. As an illustration, this once happened in my own career in education when I was an assistant principal. The principal of this particular school was an ineffective micromanager and untrusting of everyone around him. Meanwhile, the district office was a rudderless ship, having had no fewer than six superintendents in the eight years I was working there. Add it up, and it made for an extremely toxic work environment for many teachers and principals (including myself!). I eventually realized my values were no longer compatible with this organization (as did two other principals I was closest to there), and I accepted an offer from a private school in my own hometown to become their middle school principal.
I ascribe high value to teamwork, and its place as a component of successful leadership. That said, teamwork can be worthless if you discover you are playing for the wrong team. As I often say, “Life’s too long to work a job that does not provide meaning”. If you are finding yourself stuck in such a spot and are looking to transition to a position with an organization that more closely reflects your values, I invite you to click below and reach out to me. Since the initial consultation is free, the only thing you have to lose is a job you are probably interested in leaving anyway…
All the Best,
Chuck
