Practical examples
Below are examples that illustrate the strengths of Versatile Leadership in action. These scenarios demonstrate how leaders effectively balance and integrate different aspects of their leadership style to meet the needs of their teams and achieve organisational goals.
Compassionate Assertiveness
Michael is a project leader with a tight deadline. Everyone works at full capacity. The success of this project is crucial for the company’s future. He knows he needs to push his team to meet the deadlines, but he also understands the pressure they are under. At a team meeting he lays out the project’s timeline and importance. His tone is firm, setting high expectations for the team’s performance. When a team member starts falling behind on tasks, Michael addresses the issue directly in a one-on-one meeting. “I’ve noticed that your recent submissions have been delayed. Let’s talk about what’s going on”. Instead of criticizing, he listens to the concerns of the team member and provides constructive feedback. “I believe in your ability to get back on track. Let’s work together to identify any obstacles and find solutions. I’m here to help you succeed.”
Serene Drive
Alex is a leader at a company going through a significant transformation, involving a merger with another organization. The process is complex, with many moving parts, and there’s uncertainty among employees about their future roles, job security, and the direction of the company. The atmosphere is tense, and anxiety levels are high. Alex understands the gravity of the situation and the concerns of their team. Despite the mounting pressure from stakeholders to meet tight deadlines and navigate the complexities of the merger, Alex remains composed and unflustered and stays focused on the end goal. He remains calm in meetings and discussions, setting the tone for the rest of the team. Alex’s empathetic approach helps to stabilize the team’s morale, ensuring that people feel supported.
Humble Confidence
Samantha is CEO of a growing startup. The company is about to enter a critical phase where it will seek Series B funding. There are concerns among the team about whether the company is ready to attract investors, especially since a few key product features are still in development. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting. Samantha begins by calling a company-wide meeting. She walks into the meeting room with a confident posture, and her body language exudes self-assurance: “We are on the brink of something extraordinary. I have no doubt that we will secure this funding and continue to revolutionize the industry.” While Samantha is confident, she doesn’t shy away from addressing the company’s challenges. She is honest about the unfinished product features and the tight timeline. “We have some work to do,” she says, “and it’s going to be tough. But I believe in this team’s ability to deliver. We’ve faced bigger challenges before, and we’ve always come out stronger.” Her honesty, combined with her confidence, reassures the team that she is both realistic and optimistic. Samantha encourages her team to adopt the same level of confidence she demonstrates. “I want each of you to approach these investor meetings with the same belief I have in this company. You’re not just selling a product—you’re selling our future, and it’s a future worth believing in.” Her words inspire the team to take ownership and approach their tasks with greater self-assurance.
Co-Ingenuity
Elena is the head of product development. Her company is working on a new product but has hit a roadblock. The existing approach is not yielding the expected results, and the team is starting to feel frustrated. Elena comes up with a novel approach to the problem. However, Elena doesn’t stop at her own idea. She trusts her team’s creativity and expertise implicitly. She presents her idea but then opens the floor, saying, “This is one way we could go, but I know each of you will have a unique perspective on this. Let’s hear your thoughts, and together we’ll find the best path forward.” As the team begin to brainstorm Elena is thrilled that her initial idea is evolving with the team’s contributions. She assigns different aspects of the project to team members based on their strengths and encourages them to lead these components. Her confidence in their abilities boosts their own confidence and creativity.
