There’s a pretty obvious and well known principle of leadership that when you support your team, your team will support you as well. But some bosses just don’t get this. A couple of things may be happening here. Some managers may feel insecure about their own role and job performance, therefore finding it hard to support those under them to do their jobs well. But what they don’t realize is that backing their team members would actually bring them success in their role too. Then there are others that don’t support not because they don’t want to, but because the way they operate as a leader is the best they know how. It’s just like a dad that has the right heart, but often doesn’t do the right thing because of the poor examples he had to learn from while being raised himself. Some people develop their management style from their own experiences under someone else’s leadership. If they weren’t lead in a supportive way, it’s possible they just haven’t gotten the training to do so themselves. As we know, all of us have strengths and opportunities to grow in different areas and this quality just doesn’t come naturally for everyone in leadership positions.
At one company, my boss would almost go out of her way to point out what I was doing “wrong” or how I should be doing things the way she would. I guess that was her way of trying to help. But there’s always something good that can be recognized when giving feedback, and that’s what she failed at doing. Constructive criticism is great, but if that’s all you’re getting, it simply becomes criticism—not supportive at all. Then there was the boss that thought of all the reasons why my recommendations and project ideas wouldn’t work, from no budget to no interest—the reasons ran the gamut.
It boggles my mind that there are managers out in the working world that don’t support their team members. Well as the one who may be receiving the brunt of it at work right now, there’s a way to rise about it and still shine in your role. In the process, you will actually help this person in leadership discover a more effective method to their management style.
FIND OUT THEIR EXPECTATIONS
The first thing you’ll want to do is find out what your boss’ expectations are for you in your role. Due to current demands on the department, do they expect you to stay within the confines of your job description hence being unable to take on new project proposals at the moment? Do they expect you to consult with another manager on the team for feedback on your day-to-day projects because they would rather use their limited time to give your bigger projects attention? Do they expect you to make certain decisions without chasing them down for final approval? Or do they expect you to wait until a certain quarter to request more resources and other things that require a budget line item? Sometimes not knowing what the person expects can make you feel unheard or that leadership is not on your side. Communicate with them and find out their expectations so you can better understand where they’re coming from.
SUPPORT YOUR LEADERSHIP
This one is going to help you exercise your humility muscles. When you’re not feeling supported, now brace yourself—support THEM. One of the best ways to help someone see what they should do, is to be the example, and do what they should do. Have them see what it looks like to support others at the workplace. If being checking in with on occasion makes you feel supported, check in on them. Stop by their office saying, “how’s it going in here? I just wanted to see how you’re doing.” If all they do is point out flaws but not the wins, go out of your way to point out their wins and overlook their flaws. Also, show them that you’re on their side by simply supporting their initiatives and decisions, even if you’re not entirely in favor of the direction their taking. When leaders feel that they’ve scored their team’s buy-in or trust, they feel more secure in their role and work harder to be a good leader.
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:12
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particular urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.”
Hebrews 13:17-19
SPEAK ON THEIR BEHALF
This last one isn’t always the easiest advice to take when you feel like someone has wronged you, but it’s definitely the most effective. Talk to God for them in prayer. There isn’t any better way to attack a work challenge head on than with prayer first. I think you will agree that the workplace can be a battlefield sometimes. But it’s not a battle not a physical battle—it’s a spiritual battle that you don’t want to fight without the spiritual weapon of prayer.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.”
Ephesians 6:12
If you’re leadership is purposely not supporting you and it’s holding you back from being successful in your role, I recommend talking to them directly. You always want to give them the opportunity to explain their perspective. After attempting that approach a few times, then it’s time to take things to higher authorities. You can speak to their direct report or even HR. But if it’s not that serious and it’s simply a matter of creating a more pleasant experience at work, then find out what their expectations are, show them what supporting your team really looks like, and pray for them. And always remember, if the support you’re looking for is approval and praise, you can get by without it. It’s a nice-to-have, but you’re not there for that.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galatians 1:10
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
Colossians 3:23
You’re there to shine in any situation, making an impact on the world around you, which I know you’ll do this week. Have a powerful Monday, and don’t forget to eat breakfast!
To powerful workweeks, and good morning eats!
Love,
Yardley
BLUEBERRY BANANA OAT BREAD
Ingredients
3 cups Oats, gluten-free instant or rolled
4.5 Bananas, ripe
3 Eggs
2 handfuls Blueberries
4 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
1 ½ Tbsp. Cinnamon
2 Tsp. Nutmeg
Sea Salt, 2 pinches
Instructions
Add oats, bananas, eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and sea salt to a blender, like a Vitamix
Blend all ingredients until a batter-like consistency
Add 1 handful of blueberries into the blender and stir with a spoon (do not blend)
Pour oat bread batter into a baking pan about 8” x 8” in size and 3”
Sprinkle a generously the remainder of the blueberries on top of the batter in the pan
Slice a ½ banana and arrange slices on top of bread batter
Place in oven at 375 for about 20 minutes
Periodically check the doneness of the bread with a knife
When knife is not smeared with batter after pulling it out of the bread, it’s done
Remove from oven and let cool before cutting
Once temperature drops, cut pieces to enjoy for breakfast!
