Leadership isn’t just about steering the ship; it’s about ensuring everyone on board is equipped, motivated, and inspired to work toward a shared destination. Pouring into your team is a conscious act of investing in their growth, well-being, and success, which in turn drives collective achievement. When you lead unorthodoxly, this act takes on even greater significance because you’re challenging norms, breaking molds, and often navigating uncharted territory.
Here’s how to embrace an unorthodox approach to truly support and uplift your team.
1. Know Your People Beyond the Job
Unorthodox leadership thrives on personal connection. Go beyond job titles and daily tasks to understand who your team members are as individuals. What motivates them? What are their aspirations? This isn’t about prying, it’s about showing genuine interest in their lives and aligning their strengths and goals with organizational objectives.
Pro Tip: Create moments of connection by scheduling regular one-on-one check-ins that focus on their personal growth rather than just performance metrics.
2. Foster a Culture of Innovation and Psychological Safety
When leading in unconventional ways, mistakes are inevitable, but they are also invaluable. Encourage your team to think differently, take risks, and fail forward. A culture of psychological safety allows your team to express their ideas without fear of judgment or retribution, fostering innovation and engagement.
Unorthodox Action: Start team meetings by celebrating both successes and lessons learned from failures, demonstrating that every experience is a stepping stone.
3. Empower Autonomy with Clear Boundaries
Unorthodox leaders know the importance of autonomy but also recognize the need for structure. Empower your team by giving them the freedom to make decisions and lead projects while providing clear expectations and boundaries. This builds confidence and demonstrates trust.
Example: Assign leadership roles in team projects and act as a guide rather than a micromanager. This encourages ownership and allows you to step back, fostering growth within your team.
4. Pour Into Development: Every Day
Leadership isn’t a title; it’s a continuous act of service. Daily, ask yourself, What can I do to make my team better today? Whether it’s sending an encouraging email, offering a resource, or simply listening, these actions add up.
Unorthodox Idea: Create a “Learning Spotlight” initiative where each team member shares a tool, skill, or resource they’ve found helpful. This not only builds a collaborative culture but also positions every individual as both a learner and a teacher.
5. Lead With Empathy and Equity
Empathy is at the heart of unorthodox leadership. While fairness is about treating everyone equally, equity is about meeting individual needs. Sometimes, pouring into your team means tailoring your leadership style to meet them where they are, offering additional support to those who may need it.
Practical Tip: Regularly evaluate workloads and redistribute responsibilities if you notice burnout. Show that you value your team’s well-being over just productivity.
6. Share the Vision, Live the Values
Your team needs to feel connected to the bigger picture. Be transparent about the “why” behind every decision, especially when your leadership style disrupts the norm. When your team sees how their work contributes to a greater purpose, they’re more likely to stay engaged and aligned.
Unorthodox Strategy: Let team members co-create goals or initiatives that align with the organizational vision. Giving them a seat at the table enhances buy-in and accountability.
7. Celebrate Uniqueness and Individual Wins
Unorthodox leaders see value in diversity, not just in demographics but also in thought, experience, and style. Celebrate what makes each team member unique and acknowledge their contributions, big and small.
Actionable Idea: Implement a “Spotlight of the Week” where you highlight one team member’s unique strengths and recent achievements during team meetings.
8. Lead by Pouring From a Full Cup
As a leader, you can’t pour into others if you’re running on empty. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Model the importance of balance by prioritizing your own well-being and showing your team it’s okay to do the same.
Unorthodox Example: Share your personal self-care strategies or encourage team-wide wellness activities, like a group meditation or fitness challenge.
You’ve Got This!
Pouring into your team as an unorthodox leader means embracing creativity, empathy, and authenticity in every interaction. It’s about doing the unexpected to inspire extraordinary results, and knowing that every effort you invest in your team creates a ripple effect of growth, trust, and transformation.
In the end, unorthodox leadership isn’t about breaking the rules for its own sake; it’s about rewriting the rules to reflect the needs, potential, and aspirations of your team. Pouring into them is not just a duty, it’s the hallmark of impactful, transformative leadership.
How are you pouring into your team today?
