Beyond Proximity: Enhancing Leadership Through Communication and Connection
Photo by Danny Avila on Unsplash
Globalization, the hybrid workplace, and the normal responsibility for covering a broad geography all inform the need to lead people better over scope and distance. Scope refers to the range of one's operational responsibility, while distance refers to the space between them and your effective influence.
The primary question is: How Do I best manifest my leadership presence over scope and distance?
Communication is the currency of leadership.
The two primary manifestations of leadership are voice and presence.
Edward L. Smithers wrote a book in 2009 entitled Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders. Augustine was a theologian and philosopher of North African descent. He is considered one of the most prominent church fathers who formed the doctrinal foundations of Western Christianity. In addition to his important writings, he also mentored and discipled many younger leaders.
One of Augustine's problems in his time was leading over scope and distance. As Christianity spread to the world, so did his leaders, often placing them far away from their primary mentor. Smithers documents how Augustine leveraged the tools and technology of his day to manifest his leadership presence over a scattered group of underlings. To maintain his voice and presence, Augustine utilized a simple approach to conquering scope and distance:
Bring his mentees to himself, one by one or in small groups
Go to his mentees one by one or in small groups
Gather many or all his mentees in one location for a retreat
Write
Augustine made great use of all four approaches over time. You will notice that this framework is similar to what we tend to do today. And there are actual purposes and benefits to these four aspects of leading. Going to them allows you to see leaders in their daily environment and context. Bringing them to you, apart from the convenience factor, communicates to them that they are valuable, and you will likely get more undistracted time for deeper communication. Gathering your leaders in an off-site experience enhances teamwork and a sense of community. But what about writing?
Quill or pen to parchment was the advanced technology of Augustine's day. It allowed him to multiply his presence with targeted or common messages to all his leaders. He could amplify his personality, values, and direction in written form, which had lasting value over time.
We have many more technologies at our disposal to do the same. We can utilize individual text, group texting services, video communication, and phone calls—and we can still write. We can write personal notes, newsletters, or general communications. We can still connect individually, in small groups, or with all of our leaders at one time.
Those are the means. Don't forget about the content—both what is said and how it is said. Spend time considering how you want your presence and voice to come across. As you provide necessary direction, development, and accountability, don't forget to also show ample empathy, authenticity, encouragement, and hope.
Refrain from settling for convenience as you consider how to lead better over scope and distance. Focus on the emerging leader's needs and make a real connection to be more effective.
P.S. A good resource is Close: Leading Well Across Distance and Cultures, by Dr. Ken Cochrum
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