The Unavoidable Truth: You Cannot Not Lead
This article delves into the inherent nature of leadership, asserting that every action and inaction of a manager constitutes leading. Drawing parallels to Paul Watzlawick's communication axiom, it emphasizes the inescapable impact of leaders and the critical importance of intentional leadership. Discover why conscious management matters.
Ever had a manager miss a retrospective? A Director say only one sentence in a one-hour meeting? A Team Lead type on their keyboard while the group discusses upcoming holiday coverage?
Or perhaps a manager who proactively checked in on your well-being? A Director asking follow-up questions to ensure they understood your concern? A Team Lead publicly recognizing your latest published blog post?
Chances are, your answer is yes. You’ve likely experienced both scenarios. What do they all have in common? They led, they managed – whether consciously or not. Because, simply put, you cannot not lead; you cannot not manage.
It’s Not About Being Good or Mediocre
When we state that they all led, it’s not a judgment on their effectiveness or leadership style. The fundamental point is that whatever someone in a leadership role does, or doesn't do, constitutes leading. Being absent from a meeting, for instance, is a form of leadership. Perhaps the manager's absence from the retrospective was intentional and positive, or perhaps not – the specific intent is irrelevant. They led by being absent.
Similarly, the Team Lead who gave a shoutout also led. While public recognition often seems overtly positive, it might make some individuals uncomfortable. Again, the specific impact or intent isn't the primary focus. They led by giving the shoutout.
One Cannot Not Communicate
If you're familiar with Paul Watzlawick and his five communication axioms, the statement "You cannot not lead" might sound familiar. Watzlawick, a renowned therapist, psychologist, and communication theorist, famously stated in his first axiom: "One cannot not communicate." This means that literally every behavior, be it as small as a wink or an eye roll, is a form of communication. You simply cannot avoid communicating. Once you view leadership and management through this lens – as something unavoidable – it becomes impossible to ignore the profound impact you, as a leader, have on others.
Just as there’s no person who can avoid communicating, no one in a leadership role can escape the reality that they are always leading. If you, as a manager, must miss a meeting, ensure your absence aligns with how you want to be perceived. If it's due to another commitment, communicate that proactively and excuse yourself. Be intentional. If you want to give someone a shoutout, consider asking them their preferred method of receiving praise. Be intentional. Lead intentionally.
Why Should You Care?
Being a manager isn't solely about receiving a title or a higher salary; it comes with significant responsibility. This responsibility extends beyond scheduled 1:1s, encompassing your entire workday. Every word you speak, every reaction you display, and every opinion you voice in a public environment contributes to your leadership. Be acutely aware of this, because there’s truly no such thing as not leading: you cannot not lead.
Therefore, make a conscious effort to lead on purpose!