Que faites-vous si votre autorité est remise en question dans une équipe technique en tant que leader ?

When facing challenges to my authority, I remain calm and composed. I acknowledge the concerns, listen actively, and clarify any misunderstandings. I also reiterate our goals and objectives while emphasizing the importance of collaboration and open communication. By doing so, we can work together to find a solution that benefits everyone involved.

Trust me, staying calm isn't as easy as two English words joined together. We, humans, are generally prideful and, thus, find it difficult to stay calm in situations where our authorities, and consequently, pride, are challenged. I find it helpful to keep reiterating the words "stay calm" to your mind when necessary. Also, if you're too angered, you might want to not utter a word during the confront to prevent saying the wrong thing. Miscommunication is a thing in leadership, and being patient with yourself and the people you lead will go a long way in fostering a healthy relationship.

When your authority is questioned, seek to understand the underlying concerns. Engage in a one-on-one conversation with the individual questioning you, and ask open-ended questions to uncover their perspective. Listen actively and empathize with their point of view. This approach not only helps you grasp the root cause of their challenge but also shows that you value their input and are willing to address their concerns. By fostering an environment of open communication, you can resolve misunderstandings and reinforce your position as a considerate and thoughtful leader.

Also, be ready for and open to feedback and constructive critical assessments from those you lead. Try putting yourself in the shoes of your confronter and evaluate their perspective and yours from a non-sentimental lens.

After actively listening and understanding the concerns, it's important to clarify your position and decisions. Explain the rationale behind your actions or directives, providing context and evidence to support your choices. Be transparent about the goals and considerations that influenced your decision-making process. By clearly communicating your thought process, you help others see the bigger picture and understand the reasoning behind your authority. This transparency can bridge gaps in understanding and reinforce your credibility as a leader.

Assessing the situation is also critical to giving the right response. Indeed, there's no strictly defined right way to respond to a challenge of authority as the suitability of a response depends greatly on the context. As such, calmly evaluating the situation will be a good way to come up with an appropriate response, even if this involves taking a day to reflect on the situation before giving feedback.

Once you have assessed the validity of the challenge and clarified your position, strive to reach a consensus. Engage the team in a collaborative discussion to address the concerns raised. This might involve finding a compromise or adjusting your approach based on the feedback received. By involving the team in the decision-making process, you foster a sense of ownership and collective responsibility. This collaborative effort not only resolves the immediate issue but also strengthens the team's trust in your leadership and reinforces a culture of open communication and mutual respect.

Once you've determined the best way to respond to a challenge in your authority, clearly articulate your decision fearlessly. Standing up to a challenge might involve ruthless confrontation, even though that's something we generally shy away from. It could also involve apologizing for a rationale you took that wasn't optimal. In either case, communicating with confidence and clarity should be a major aim.

Clear communication plays a vital role in reaffirming authority effectively. When addressing challenges, it's crucial to articulate decisions clearly, explain the rationale behind them, and ensure that your communication is accessible to everyone involved. This approach not only reinforces your authority but also fosters trust and transparency within the team.

Setting clear boundaries is also crucial. As a leader, you should ensure that while you develop good relationships with the people under your authority, you also endeavor to create a sane and healthy boundary for yourself. Establishing these boundaries helps prevent possible unconstructive criticism, as those could be mentally draining.

Integrity is a cornerstone of effective leadership. By consistently making ethical decisions and standing by your commitments, you build trust and respect within your team. Your actions should align with your words, showing that you are reliable and trustworthy. When your team sees that you are committed to doing the right thing, even when it is difficult, they are more likely to adopt the same level of integrity in their own work. This fosters a culture of honesty and accountability, where team members feel confident that they can depend on one another.