Post Hoc Leadership is Easy and Safe

Many leaders lead by giving feedback, often criticism, after the fact. That’s a garbage way to lead. It’s actually not leading, it’s a characteristic demonstrative of a traditional “boss” and some folks think it’s how they should act. It’s safe and easy. But, it’s just a show, it has negative value.

It’s more productive to lead by being a part of solving the problem. Being out in front of things. Helping your colleagues produce better. Be in the arena together.

If you find yourself often critical and giving “constructive” feedback after the fact, try changing your style to give timely feedback during production, as part of the process. It’ll look a lot more like constructive collaboration.

Sometimes, often times, this means restructuring how we work. Redistribute roles and responsibilities, even empower teams. Further, put the target customer/audience at the centre. This helps get ego and status quo out of the way to actually produce better.

It shouldn’t be surprising (which it is to some) to think the “leader” should be out front, not at the back. The leader should not be in the safest spot. Definitely, they should not be in the safest spot and throwing stones at those who are daring to put themselves at risk to achieve our objectives.