Six Pillars of Leadership

The complexity of our world increases every day. COVID-19 isn’t making things any easier. What can you do to become a connective leader? What kind of leadership do we need in this special time? According to Frans Wilms, it all comes down to six pillars of leadership. As an expert on leadership and change, Frans shared some of his insights in a WebTalks session organised by UMIO on October 1st. He explained how these pillars allow you to create the change you want: relaxed and stress-free. With useful tips to put them into practice immediately!

The first two pillars are about insight: a leader should let go within boundaries and focus on interaction. What does this mean exactly? Frans Wilms: “It all depends on the type of activity and the predictability of the outcome of that activity. If an outcome can be predicted (for instance payrolling) this demands a more controlling way of management. After all, you want the salaries to be paid at the end of the month. If, on the other hand, the outcome cannot be predicted beforehand, let’s say, a culture change, the leader should inspire and coach, enabling their team to give meaning to the desired change. In doing so, he or she should have an open mind for and be genuinely interested in other people’s opinions and ideas, and show compassion and empathy. In practice: hear what people have to say, ask questions and listen carefully.”

Pillar three and four are convictions: If you want a change, start with yourself and use resistance as energy. “You should be aware of patterns”, Frans Wilms says. “It’s easy to put the blame on others, but don’t forget to look at your own contribution. What could you have done differently? Did you explain the ‘why’ of the change clearly enough? Did you take the time to sit down with your employees for an open discussion? Don’t push or pull, but instead make people aware of the considerations underlying the change. That’s the only way to create support and engagement for the change.”

To put the first four pillars into practice, you need skills. These are pillars five and six: use the magic of Theory U and practise if-then exercises”, Frans Wilms states. “The core of Theory U (by Otto Scharmer) is that you need to understand the whole picture, before giving your judgement. Theory U is a model that focuses on truly understanding someone’s considerations. If in the end, you still don’t agree, you know what’s behind a person’s thinking and that brings you to a new start. This mutual understanding helps you and your team to add value. Sound difficult? “It just isn’t”, is Frans Wilms’ strong conviction. “You just have to practise. Try a few ‘if-then’ exercises to get you started. For example: if you feel like interrupting someone, then let them finish and instead ask a question to check if you understood them correctly. Or, if you feel annoyed by someone’s behaviour, then go looking for the energy that drives that behaviour. I promise you that if you practise this a lot, and reflect on it, it will become your routine before you know it.”

Frans gives one last piece of advice regarding leadership in COVID-19 times. “In today’s COVID-19 crisis, leadership is even more complex. It’s more important than ever to have an unambiguous message, offer clear criteria and information. Do this in a warm manner; be visible and approachable, celebrate successes, show appreciation and be attentive. However, it all starts with you! Keep yourself fit, focus on your circle of influence, take things step by step and be kind to yourself and others.”

This video was recorded from a WebTalks session with Frans Wilms on 1 October 2020. WebTalks are online chats or webinars organised in partnership with scientific staff from the various departments, centres and institutes at Maastricht University – sometimes together with experts from the private or public sector – to address some of the most urgent and important questions for any individual or organisation trying to navigate through the dynamics and challenges of today’s workplace.

This WebTalks session is a stepping stone to the online course Patronen Doorbreken Vanuit Verbinding. If you want to be the key to change, this is the perfect course for you. You will be supported and trained in recognising and actively breaking patterns in your everyday work. The course lasts six months and consists of online training, a workbook, lots of practical insights, personal coaching, peer-to-peer coaching and a buddy. Be the change you want!