Finding alignment with a difficult boss is crucial for moving the organization forward.
Adopting a student mindset and building relationships can foster a healthy team environment.
Deep dives
Aligning Strategy and Vision
Benjamin realizes that there is a lack of alignment in strategy between himself and the founder. He acknowledges that their differences in approach stem from different views on how to execute the mission. He recognizes the need to focus on finding alignment rather than trying to force agreement. Benjamin plans to have conversations about strategy and work towards a shared understanding to move the organization forward.
Being a Student of the Organization
Benjamin understands the importance of being a student and learning from the people he works with. He wants to focus on building relationships and understanding how individuals interact within the organization. By adopting a student mindset, he aims to respect and appreciate the complexities of the organization, fostering a healthy team environment.
Reframing the Founder Relationship
Benjamin recognizes that he needs to reframe his approach to the founder. Rather than pushing for change, he plans to create alignment by understanding and empathizing with the founder's perspective. He aims to be a lifeline for the founder, helping her meet the mission while also assessing the impact on the organization and making decisions accordingly.
Defining Personal Purpose and Mission
Through the coaching session, Benjamin realizes that he needs to redefine his own purpose and mission within the organization. He shifts his focus from proving himself and achieving personal goals to genuinely helping and serving others. Benjamin aims to be more mission-oriented, prioritize the well-being and growth of the team, and find his own anchor during challenging times.
He’s a mission driven leader who has always found roles where he can help others. He was brought in at a high level at a new organization, but he’s feeling tension and conflict with the organization’s founder. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches him through how to manage himself in this negative work dynamic.