Case Closed: Leading a Team Through Difficult Dynamics
Sarah, a recently elevated legal executive, faces a complex dilemma after successfully competing against her colleague, Mike, for a high-ranking position in the executive team. Now, Mike, a local regulations whiz, finds himself reporting to Sarah, whose legal strengths are more international in scope. Whenever they're in the same meeting, Sarah can't help but feel a hint of self-doubt due to Mike's expertise. While his legal acumen is exceptional, his interpersonal skills leave much to be desired. His behavior has led to harassment issues within the team, creating a situation that could damage the company's reputation. Now, Sarah must make a tough choice: retain the exceptionally skilled but problematic lawyer, or safeguard the well-being and harmony of her team?
From Legal Reasoning to Emotional Understanding: Navigating Complexity
Initially, Sarah wanted to tackle the issue the way she would a complex legal case—by making a list of pros and cons. Keeping Mike would mean benefiting from his unparalleled local legal knowledge, but at the cost of potentially losing other valuable team members who couldn't tolerate his behavior. On the flip side, letting him go would resolve the HR issues but create a knowledge gap in the team’s legal competencies. Just as she was deep into this rational analysis, a thought flashed through her mind: "I wish I was as well-versed in local regulations as Mike is." This emotional admission shifted her perspective from pure logic to one centered around identity.
Asking herself, "Who am I in this situation?" Sarah remembered she wasn't just an expert in international law; she was a leader with a team to guide and protect. This revelation pushed her to reframe the question at hand: "What would a thoughtful, caring leader do when confronted with an exceptionally skilled yet toxic employee?" By reconnecting with her leadership values, her decision became more straightforward
Seeing the Whole Picture: Beyond Immediate Impact
Sarah ultimately decided to part ways with Mike, but not without contemplating the ripple effects of her decision. Immediately, his departure might ease the growing tension among the team, although it would also mean a heavier workload for everyone. Looking further ahead, she considered the second-order consequences, such as any HR or legal challenges that could arise, and the positive impact on team morale and collaboration. In the long term, she realized that, as a responsible leader, she could attract professionals who prioritized a respectful and harmonious work environment.
Donning the Leadership Mantle: A Valuable Lesson Learned
Navigating the murky waters of the Mike dilemma was anything but easy, yet it proved to be an invaluable lesson in leadership for Sarah. The situation forced her to acknowledge the equal importance of emotional intelligence and people skills alongside her legal capabilities. By returning to her core leadership values, she was able to make a tough but vital decision. This recentering reinforced her dedication to fostering a healthy, productive team environment.
Going Beyond Pros and Cons
When faced with tough choices, the “Identity Model” can offer an additional layer of insight. Instead of just balancing pros and cons, ask yourself:
Who am I?
What kind of situation is this?
What would someone like me do in this situation?
These questions can guide you toward more holistic and value-aligned decisions, enhancing not only your leadership but the well-being of your entire team.
If you're grappling with the delicate interplay between subject-matter expertise and team dynamics, carefully considering your options is crucial. For those leading through such complexities and striving to strike a balance between individual talent and team cohesion, Karin Wellbrock offers specialized guidance and support. Contact her at karin.wellbrock@kaygroup-asia.com to navigate these challenges with confidence.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karin Wellbrock, Partner and COO at Kay Group K.K., anchors her expertise in a Tokyo-based consultancy specializing in leadership and organizational development. A certified Leadership and Team Coach, Karin is dedicated to propelling both seasoned and emerging executives to leave a significant imprint in their respective industries. She is using innovative yet pragmatic tools and approaches to further the impact of leaders. Beyond individual coaching, Karin extends her influence through her work with NGOs and startups, and through her writing. She delves into the journeys of 'Exceptional Leaders in Japan' and dissects complex leadership scenarios, thereby enriching the managerial toolkit for leaders striving for peak performance. Reach out to Karin to discuss how the Wheel of Life can elevate your leadership journey: karin.wellbrock@kaygroup-asia.com