Leadership is an enabler and curatorial role. Why is it so easily misunderstood as management or an authoritative, decision-making role? 

So many of us slip into leadership roles almost by accident and are completely oblivious to the patterns of leadership that we repeat simply because this is all that we know. It’s hard to dismiss a form of leadership if it appears to get results - at least on the surface. 

A firm decision-maker often achieves milestones before a careful moderator.

A single leader often moves teams faster than a multi-tiered leadership team.

The dogged pursuit of a single purpose regardless of changing circumstances promotes incredible focus and clarity.

BUT what about the lasting effects for the leader, their teams and of course the project outcome?

Now, I’m not saying that leaders shouldn’t be great decision-makers, or relentless in their pursuit of a vision and projects with purpose. Instead, what I want to champion is the role of leadership as an enabler for exceptional project outcomes by curating high-performance teams and a culture of innovation, constructive feedback and a flexible strategy with accountability. 

In short, enabling the sometimes arduous journey of project creation to be just as important as the end result. Acknowledging that nothing trumps the legacy that the project will leave on those who helped create it and in terms of its physical, environmental and social impact.     

This might not be a popular standpoint. I get that.

We live in a fast-paced environment where the return on investment is often associated with the speed of creation, production, and delivery. And we have grown up with the mantra we are only as good as our last project, so we had better move on to the next.

What if being an enabler for change led you to speed up the process and enjoy it?

What if focusing on curating a team and a strategy led you to create opportunities for a higher return on investment, well beyond what speed could have achieved?

The possibilities are endless. 

Not all projects are geared toward a comprehensive strategy, vision, or for that matter purpose. But to have nothing in place leaves you wide open to reacting when things go wrong and winging it in terms of whether you are setting your project up for success or not.

You may get lucky. But why leave it to chance?

By strengthening your enabling and curatorial capabilities you will simultaneously be sharpening your decision-making, bringing others along for the ride and sharing in the glory that is a successful project - from start to finish.

I am keen to spark conversations for leaders within the built environment so that they can share their experiences and lighten their load. I have written a book that is intended as a pragmatic blueprint to support courageous leaders in pursuit of high-quality project outcomes.

Our industry has some amazing opportunities and challenges ahead, that can use collective wisdom. You can check out my new book BUILD SUCCESS or follow me with the links below. 

Enabling your success!