Have you ever worked for a consensus-driven leader?
Sometimes I hear people complain that their managers are too eager to solicit opinions and feedback from everyone for every decision. While I can agree that slowing down progress can be very frustrating, leaders who advocate for inclusion and genuine feedback are preferable to dictators or tyrants. But taken to extreme, consensus-style leadership can create unforeseen problems.
Leaders who advocate for consensus want everyone to feel valued and happy. Unfortunately, these apparent benefits may be dwarfed by their inherent traps, creating the very unhappiness they strive to prevent. I have seen overly inclusive leaders unwittingly sabotage their efforts.
Often seen as mediators or peacekeepers, consensus-style leaders seek a calm, cooperative environment. They disdain conflict and disunity, experiencing a sense of well-being only when everyone gets along. They seek to maintain a spirit of togetherness and happiness, going out of their way to ensure people’s needs are met.
Unlike tyrants or compulsive leaders, mediators put their people’s needs ahead of their own. They accept a more behind-the-scenes role, according to Beatrice Chestnut, PhD, author of The 9 Types of Leadership: Mastering the Art of People in the 21st Century Workplace (Post Hill Press, 2017). Peacekeepers don’t want prominence or attention, just the satisfaction that everyone is productive, pleased and supportive.
To keep the peace, consensus-style leaders give people equal consideration by seeking their input and concerns. They welcome all ideas and suggestions so the team can come to agreement and keep the majority happy. Leaders mediate disagreements to avoid strife, often forgoing their own preferences and desires. But as Dr. Chestnut explains, such sacrifices may unintentionally reduce overall team effectiveness, morale and progress.
In my next post, I’ll take a deeper dive in to the good, bad and ugly of consensus-style leaders. In the meantime, what do you think? What has been your experience? I’d love to hear from you. You can call me at 561-582-6060, let’s talk. And as always, I can be reached here or on LinkedIn.
