Nicole Atchley
We should all be familiar with the privileges that come with certain classes of people, be it race, sex, looks or wealth. But have you ever considered the privilege that comes with leadership? Leadership privilege is a real thing and how you, as a leader choose to use it is very important to how you are viewed. Leadership may mean that you go without penalty for something a lower level employee may normally be reprimanded for. You might get away with coming to work a few minutes late, or taking a longer lunch. You may get away with putting off mandatory training for as long as possible, if there aren’t proper checks and balances. Although no one may say anything to you in these moments, everyone is watching, especially subordinates. They watch the liberties you take, while correcting them for the same behaviors. They watch how you lead with a “do as I say, not as I do” attitude. They hear you say, they too can take these liberties once they get into your position, but for now, they can’t.
I have seen heads of departments, supervisors and military leaders of all sorts take liberties that they would never allow there subordinates to take. Implementing policies that apply to everyone but themselves and policies that they could never adhere to. I have seen people take the whole day off for an hour appointment but can’t understand a parent having to take off because their child is out of school. Some leaders lead with a complete since of hypocrisy and everyone can see it. This kind of toxic behavior breeds a toxic environment. It puts into question your ability to truly lead. It begs the question, are you in it for the perks or to make a difference in your team? The liberties you choose to take as a leader can create an environment that lacks standards, control and trust.
Leaders using their privilege isn’t all toxic. Some leadership privilege comes from the trust you have built over the years. Trust from your subordinates and from those above you. Some of these privileges you have probably earned before you even came into a position of leadership, because of the trust you have built with those around you. You should be able to use the perks that you have earned without feeling guilty, but make sure that with every perk you use, you put in the work to have earned it.
Using your leadership privilege is like using your sick days, you have to know when to use it and when not to. The military is a great example of this, there is a time to lead by example and there is a time to take in the fact that you have earned the right not to do certain things anymore, because you have done it. I for example will get down in the dirt with my Soldiers and perform whatever task that needs to be done. I know what needs to be completed and the time it needs to be completed in. I can very well sit back and wait for it to get done or I can help them and get it done faster. I can show them that I would never ask them to do anything I would not do myself or I can just tell them. The choice is mine. I have to choose what kind of leader I want to be and how I want them to see me. On the other end I can show them how to be reliant on themselves and there own abilities by choosing not to help them with certain tasks ( because lets be honest if I am doing everything with them, who is doing my work).
If my Soldiers are in the hot sun and I don’t have anything on my plate at the moment, I am in the hot sun. If I have stuff to do in the office, then my privilege and job requirements, have me in the AC. My time in service, rank and reputation has afforded me the privilege to not have to sweep a floor and empty trash. It is all in how the privilege card is played. Never put yourself in the position to be getting paid more to do nothing. You have responsibilities and they should all be felt with before you take any liberties.
Lead with integrity!
The Leadership Perspective 