In recent years, leadership has shifted from a “command-and-control” approach to an engagement approach. The idea that a leader’s job is to bark orders at people and let them do the work is outdated and would have most direct reports heading for the door. However, hands-off, groupthink-oriented “laissez-faire leadership,” which offers little-to-no direction or communication from the leader also is not productive.
The idea of engagement has gained recent popularity as a means to lead a team effectively. Engaging leaders reach out to their direct reports in an attempt to understand their perspectives and working conditions. In addition, engaging leaders help their direct reports find meaning in their work and listen carefully to their aspirations, needs, and concerns.Listening is clearly a key skill for an engaging leader.
We might describe engaging leaders by referring to them as stewards of their people. The definition of stewardship is as follows: the responsible oversight and protection of something worth caring for and preserving. Steward Leaders create an engaging, positive, results-oriented environment where they challenge their direct reports to achieve their full potential through effective communication, ongoing development, and genuine concern for their success. Steward Leaders focus on driving results through engagement and mutual accountability. People genuinely enjoy working for a Steward Leader because they know the leader cares about them and helps them overcome obstacles and focuses on achieving results.