Do Leaders change their approach in line with the Seasons?
It is officially Summer in the Northern Hemisphere, kicking off astrologically with the longest day, or Summer solstice, this Sunday. The changing meteorological Seasons are often used as a metaphor for the evolution of team performance, with distinct internal and external factors influencing the course. Each Season provides unique challenges and opportunities for a Team, and specific requirements from Leaders.
Recognising and adapting to these Seasons can help leaders to hone their skills, and work towards becoming an Agile Leader. Here’s what to expect, and what to pay attention to:
Spring: a time of creation, innovation and energy
Teams in this phase are full of ideas, creativity, and renewed objectives, with an appetite to challenge norms.
Leaders in this phase act as the catalyst for growth. They share a clear vision, galvanise and champion their teams, lead from the front, and foster inclusivity.
As the Season evolves, the team stabilises and settles into operational discipline. They will need clear processes, structure, and feedback to support their performance. An inspiring and pioneering leader may struggle to consolidate and develop structure and routine.
Summer: a time of performance, productivity and growth
Teams in this phase are collaborating and looking for efficiencies, to support the scaling output. Optimised delivery is the goal.
Leaders in this phase demonstrate a robust focus on discipline, consistency, and operational rigour. Performance measures lead the narrative.
As the Season evolves, the team is met with a changing external landscape. Predictability and performance are challenged. They will need reassurance, and a confidence in their skill to deploy a more agile operational approach. A structured and rigorous leader may struggle to accommodate this disruption.
Autumn: a time of consolidation and reflection
Teams in this phase are harnessing gains, benchmarking excellence, sharing learnings, and preparing for change.
Leaders in this phase invite analysis, and hold opinions loosely. They work with the team to look for centres of excellence and transferable skillsets, and conduct retrospects to highlight areas for development.
As the Season evolves, the team is met with change and uncertainty. They will need a unified and robust approach to the challenges that lie ahead. A reflective leader that dwells in the past may struggle to lead the transition without a clear appetite or plan for change.
Winter: a time of challenge, disruption and change
Teams in this phase are experiencing challenges from the external landscape, creating internal pressures, and a need for change.
Leaders in this phase are resilient, confident with ambiguity, and are ready to make tough decisions. They inspire the need for change and demonstrate the value in doing so.
As the Season evolves, the team experiences consistent challenge and pressure on performance. They will need stability and reassurance to assist with transitioning through this period. A leader who lacks the personal reserve to endure and survive this time, or who finds it tricky to share unpopular messages, will struggle to navigate this Season.
It’s very natural for a team to experience cycles in performance, particularly when faced with the inevitability of changes in resource, or external pressures. Some leaders thrive in the creativity of Spring, while others are skilled at navigating the challenges of Winter. Whatever the Season, the Agile Leader, capable of altering style and support to fit the needs of the team and the environment they face, is the perennial choice!
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