Practice of the Week 040: Imagine your team members are your boss for a day, how does it change what you say and how they respond?
Here’s a thought experiment: Imagine your team members are your boss for a day. How would that shift the way you communicate? How might it change how they respond?
When we approach leadership from a traditional top-down perspective, it’s easy to slip into giving orders, offering solutions, or controlling outcomes. But flipping the dynamic forces us to rethink our role. If your team were in charge, you might focus more on listening, offering context, and asking better questions. Instead of dictating, you’d focus on empowering them to make decisions and trust their judgment.
This mindset is at the heart of Intent-Based Leadership. Great leaders don’t hoard authority—they distribute it. They treat their team members not as followers but as decision-makers who are capable of owning their work.
When you start communicating as if your team holds the authority, a few things happen:
You naturally shift from commands to collaboration.
You ask for input instead of offering directives.
Your team feels respected and trusted, which inspires them to step up.
This doesn’t mean losing your role as a leader. It means using your authority to create an environment where others can lead themselves. It’s about making decisions with your team, not for them.
So, take a moment to reflect: What would you do differently if your team were your boss for a day? How would it change your tone, your approach, and your trust in their capabilities? The answers might just transform your leadership style.
How do you empower your team to lead? Share your thoughts below!