Attuned leaders make space for growth then goals

Effective leadership is not only about setting direction - it's about creating the conditions where both people and outcomes thrive.

Attuned leaders balance the drive for results with a deep awareness of their team's needs, capacity, potential and any roadblocks the leader can assist in removing.

I have experienced and observed many times where in the flurry of workload, growth is placed last - for example, the annual professional development plan becomes a 'cut and paste' or a chore, when from the employee's perspective it's a moment to connect, hope, get excited about what is ahead and feel valued by the person they work each day to support.

Being attuned means paying attention - not just to deadlines and metrics, but to the signals in conversations, the undercurrents in team dynamics and the aspirations that motivate individuals - There are always signals!

When leaders make space for growth alongside goals, they foster a culture where development and achievement move in tandem, not in competition.

An Attuned leader:

🍃Listens beyond words to understand intent, concerns, and aspirations

🍃Adjusts goals in response to evolving team strengths and circumstances

🍃Creates regular opportunities for feedback and dialogue (two-way) as opposed to ongoing monologue (one-way)

🍃Supports skill development that aligns with both business needs and the personal growth path of the individual

🍃Recognises and celebrates progress and effort - not just results

🍃Models reflective practices and openness to learning - this sets the atmosphere and culture of your work environment

🍃Wherever possible, co-constructs growth with the team rather than for them

Reflective Questions to ponder:

• How well do you balance achieving results with nurturing your team's growth?

• What signals are you noticing - or missing - about your team's readiness, needs, or motivation?

• In what ways are you creating space for both personal development and goal achievement to flourish beside each other?