Leader as Facilitator: Growing Together as a Team
In many organisations, leaders are expected to set a clear vision: providing direction, making decisions, and giving orders. But I believe leadership is about more than just calling the shots. It’s also about giving space for everyone to shine. Think back to a time when your boss made all the decisions, leaving you to simply follow orders. How did that feel?
What Happens When We Always Lead
When we’re always the ones calling the shots, it can lead to a few not-so-great outcomes:
Team Switch Off: People may feel like they’re just there to execute orders rather than contribute their own ideas. This disconnect can dampen overall commitment.
Missed Creative Sparks: If everyone is waiting for the “big idea” from the top, team members might hesitate to speak up or think outside the box, causing amazing insights to go unnoticed.
Leader Burnout: Carrying all the responsibilities on your shoulder can quickly become exhausting. It also leaves little room for you to do creative thinking or strategic planning.
Why Sometimes It’s Best to Step Back
As a leader, when you put on the facilitator’s hat, you aren’t there to control the conversation; instead, you invite open dialogue, build trust, and spark innovation. Instead of always directing, try to encourage team members to share their ideas, allowing creativity to flourish. I’ve experienced firsthand how stepping back and acting as a facilitator can bring out the best in everyone. When each person feels truly heard, it opens the door to collaboration, innovation, and shared success.
How to Embrace a Facilitator Role
Transitioning from always taking the lead to facilitating isn’t something that happens overnight; it’s a journey of learning, trust, and collaboration. I invite you to make s shift and step into the role of a facilitator. And here are some ways I’ve found effective:
1. Listen First and Deeply
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is listen. Truly hear what your team has to say. Listen not just the words, but the meaning behind them; it’s about truly understanding different perspectives. Ask more open-ended questions like, “What do you think about this approach?” or “How could we improve this process?” And when someone shares an idea, ask more questions to dive deeper to help reveal ideas that might otherwise go unnoticed. In my experience, surfacing the team’s point of view often sparks even more creative thoughts.
2. Create a Safe and Inclusive Space
A safe space is where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas without fear of judgment or criticism. Set simple ground rules at the start of meetings, like “no idea is too small” and “every voice counts.” Make it a habit to celebrate contributions from your team. It can be as simple as a pat on the back, or a follow-up note. Since we all have a natural tendency to judge, even as leaders, stay alert to any signs that this might be stifling open conversation, and make sure to invite quieter team members to join the discussion, you’ll be pleasantly surprised the rich insights they hold but are just too shy to speak up.
3. Step Back and Allow Team Members to Step Forward
Instead of always taking the mic, try stepping back so others can take the spotlight. When you give others room to lead, you’re not just delegating tasks, you’re inviting them to participate, grow and innovate. Consider rotating the role of facilitator during meetings or hand over the lead on a specific project. I’ve seen this work wonders, when team members ran our brainstorming sessions, they are engaged, and their perspectives sparked ideas. People feel trusted and empowered to contribute their best work.
4. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability
The role of a facilitator is dynamic and requires flexibility. Regularly ask for feedback on how you can better support your team and be ready to adjust your approach as needed. Some discussions flow naturally when you step back, while others might need you to step forward. Stay open to change and remain attuned to your team’s evolving needs.
In the End
While it’s essential for a leader to take charge when the situation calls for it, it’s equally important to know when to step back and let your team shine. Yes, a leader needs to be, but not all the time. A good leader knows when to take charge and when to be a facilitator and let go.
Written by: Chan Earn Meng