Managing a Difficult Executive

Managing a team, especially at the executive level, is rarely straightforward, and it’s only getting more challenging as our environment grows more complex.You might often wish that your team member could see things from your perspective, thinking, “If I were you…” or, more commonly, “If you were me…”.

We’d like to believe that the executives we hire have the drive, insight, and common sense to handle situations just as we would. Ideally, they’d need minimal guidance, simply thinking like us and doing the right thing.

But here’s where positive leadership comes into play. Practical empathy, not telepathy, is crucial. Your executive team member faces the same challenge of empathy as you do. They don’t see things the way you do, don’t have access to all your knowledge, and might not even have the same priorities.

Rather than expecting them to read your mind and heart, embrace empathy and positive communication. This means clearly showing them what you expect and creating an environment filled with encouragement and support where they can succeed and meet those expectations.

Managing is a complex skill. Sometimes, we’re lucky enough to have team members who manage themselves effectively, but we must recognize the significant effort this requires. Most of the time, though, we need to invest in the hard work of understanding their perspective and ensuring our intentions are clear to them.

So, as you navigate this challenge with your executive team member, focus on building that bridge of empathy and positivity. Be clear about what you expect, communicate openly, and strive for mutual understanding. Encourage and support them, and recognize the good they bring to the team. This approach can transform your leadership experience, fostering a more positive and effective team environment.

For more information, contact our team!