Why leaders must understand the work they lead

Illustration: TBS

Leadership is often romanticised as an abstract quality—a blend of charisma, vision, and decision-making skills. However, at its core, good leadership is about a solid grasp of how things work within an organisation. This means understanding the various tasks and relationships that exist and being able to manage the connections between them.

A comment from my brother's driver made me think about this. He said, "Sir is a good person and cares about us. The only problem is that he knows how to drive."

At first, this comment might seem simple, but it shows something important about being a leader. No matter what position you have or what team you lead, one of the most critical skills for a leader is understanding the work they oversee.

In 2009, I visited TATA Steel in Jamshedpur, India. I met an elderly worker there who was about to retire. He told me an interesting story.

"One day, a young boy was assigned to work with me. My job was to teach him the basics. The boy came from a wealthy family but was humble and eager to learn. After almost two weeks, he moved to another position, and I discovered he was none other than Mr Ratan Tata himself. This shows TATA's legacy—great leaders often start their careers by doing basic work."

In many companies, there can be a gap between leaders and the work being done. Leaders plan, delegate tasks and encourage their teams but sometimes don't have hands-on experience with the work. While it's important to delegate, not knowing the details of their team's work can lead to unclear goals, concerns, and frustration.

Consider a sports coach who has never played the game or a chef who has never worked in a kitchen. It's challenging to lead effectively without a basic understanding of the craft, the tools, and the challenges faced by those who depend on your direction.

Some of the most successful leaders have first-hand experience in the roles they now oversee.

Elon Musk is an excellent example of a hands-on leader. He is actively involved in the engineering and design work at Tesla and SpaceX. Musk doesn't just manage from the office; he dives into the details and often challenges engineers with his technical skills.

Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, also got involved in many parts of the business, from marketing to product development. Her willingness to learn earned her team's respect and helped drive innovation at the company.

Satya Nadella, Microsoft's CEO, changed the company's culture by understanding its products' technical side. His leadership style focuses on empathy, allowing him to connect well with the engineers, developers, and managers who run the business.

Why does understanding the work matter?

There are substantial reasons why leaders need to understand their team's work to effectively guide them.

Building trust and respect: Teams are more likely to respect leaders who know about their work. It shows leaders care about their team's work and are willing to learn.

Better decision-making: When leaders understand how their organisation operates, they can make wiser choices, find practical solutions, and set viable goals for the team.

Creating stronger relationships: A good understanding of the work helps leaders empathise with their teams. They can better recognise their team's challenges and offer help when needed.

Encouraging innovation: Leaders familiar with their processes can promote and appreciate new ideas more effectively. They are also better equipped to spot areas for improvement or potential opportunities.

How do we bridge the gap?

Effective leaders need to be hands-on with their teams. This means working together, visiting job sites, and participating in daily activities. By seeing the work up close, leaders gain meaningful insights that reports alone can't provide.

Having a curious nature is crucial for leaders. It's important to ask questions about your team's challenges, how they work and any ideas they have for improving things. This practice helps you understand their viewpoints and builds an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.

Leaders must also focus on continually learning and keeping up with new tools and trends in their field. This commitment helps ensure that they remain respected and flexible in a rapidly changing world, which improves their ability to lead.

Creating a welcoming atmosphere is key to encouraging team members to share their ideas. Showing that you value their contributions helps everyone feel more involved. The best leaders take the time to observe and listen to their team.

Finally, leading by example is a must. Leaders willing to work hard and contribute alongside their team build trust and set a positive tone. This strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose can motivate everyone to do their best.

You might be familiar with the Bollywood film '3 Idiots.' One indelible moment in the movie features the fearless protagonist, Ranchho, being dragged into the classroom by his no-nonsense principal after he boldly challenges the traditional education system. With an inspiring demonstration, Ranchho makes it crystal clear: It's not the teachers' knowledge he questions but the outdated methods they use to teach! 

Similarly, leadership is not just about leading but about knowing how to lead. It goes beyond merely directing people; it's about knowing the work needed and engaging with the teams. By understanding their teams and leading by example, leaders can inspire trust, foster innovation, and drive success.

Illustration: TBS

Shafiq R Bhuiyan is a storyteller who examines the intersection of social progress, effective communication, cultural development, and corporate social responsibility while sharing insights to inspire change. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard