As leaders rise through the ranks, a sense of isolation often sets in- especially for those new to leadership.  One of the more confronting shifts is learning to balance being approachable with the reality that you are no longer "one of the team" in the same way. It's about being friendly, as opposed to friends.

While it is essential to maintain clear boundaries, the resulting isolation can present challenges. One key risk is the reduced flow of honest, constructive feedback.  That said, some degree of strategic distance remains necessary. Effective leaders know that they cannot afford to get too immersed in the issues that sit below their level- instead, they focus on empowering others to manage those challenges.
​

‍Strategies to Avoid Isolation

​To combat isolation, leaders should adopt strategies that keep them connected and grounded. Here are some effective approaches:

1. Coaching and Mentoring Outside Your Organisation: Engaging with mentors and coaches outside your organisation can provide fresh perspectives and unbiased feedback. This external support network helps you stay connected - in my case, I found myself being drawn to friends who were leaders in other sectors - often providing valuable insights and perspectives.

Regular Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing regular feedback mechanisms, such as anonymous surveys or open forums are now an essential part of the toolkit in most organisations to encourage honest communication from your team. This helps to identify areas for improvement and fosters a culture of transparency. In addition, seeking out feedback and honesty within a close executive team you work with on a day-to-day basis is a must. Let's face it, whilst critically important, this feedback won't hit the mark unless there is the necessary level or emotional intelligence needed to ensure it is absorbed and integrated.

1. Empowering Your Team: Delegating responsibilities and empowering your team to make decisions not only reduces your workload but also builds trust and accountability within the organization. This approach ensures that you are not isolated from the day-to-day operations and can focus on strategic leadership. This delegation is, in itself, a major challenge for leaders in professional services who have a tendency to perfectionism.
2. Achieving the elusive balancing act between focus and engagement: While it is essential to preserve your energy for strategic leadership, it is equally important to remain engaged with your team. Finding the right balance between focusing on high-level priorities and staying connected with your team is crucial for effective leadership. This is often achieved practically by touching base with key leaders around you, and fostering relationships with other key people at various levels of the team/organisation you lead.

Conclusion

Isolation can be a significant challenge for leaders, but by adopting these strategies, you can stay connected, receive valuable feedback, and lead more effectively.

‍