As businesses and organizations become increasingly complex, the need for effective leadership becomes more important than ever. One leadership philosophy that has been proven effective over time is common sense leadership. In this article, we will explore the power of common sense leadership and how it can help organizations achieve success.
Common sense leadership is based on the biologic way our brains are hard-wired to make sense of the world around us and sensible choices about what to do next. We humans all make sense a common way, via our common senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Which is why we all have two eyes, two ears, a nose, a mouth, a brain, and a spinal cord, elegantly wrapped in skin. Our biology wont let us make sense any other way, not without becoming a new species. Common sense is the common ground and common language upon which our species stands. Shouldn’t it be the way we lead and organize too? Common sense leadership involves making decisions based on what makes the most sense given the situation, rather than relying on plans from the past that fly in the face of facts and forfeit our freedom to effect the future. This type of leadership allows for flexibility and adaptability, which is crucial in today's fast-paced business world.
Benefits of Putting it Into Practice
One of the key benefits of commonsense leadership is that it allows leaders to be more responsive to their team's needs. Instead of following a rigid set of rules, common sense leaders are able to make decisions based on their purpose, the knowledge they have about their people, and the reality of the situation going on around them. This helps to build trust and respect between leaders and their team, which is essential for long-term success.
Another benefit of commonsense leadership is that it helps to create a more positive and collaborative work environment. Leaders who use common sense are more likely to listen to their team members and incorporate their input into decision-making. This leads to a more engaged and motivated team, which is critical for achieving individual and organizational success.
In addition to creating a positive work environment, common sense leadership can also help organizations to be more innovative by allowing for flexibility and adaptability. Team members can take risks and try new things knowing their common sense leaders had their backs and support their freedom to try new ways and figure things out. This open and collaborative work environment leads to breakthrough ideas and innovative solutions to complex problems.
Overall, common sense leadership is a powerful tool for achieving success in today's business world. By using common sense principles, leaders can build trust with their team members, create a positive and collaborative work environment, and encourage innovation. If you want to be a successful leader, it's essential to embrace the power of common sense.