Adapting Leadership for Online Communities

[StevenM]

In the world of online communities, being a good leader means knowing when to take charge and when to share power. It's like being a coach who switches between giving orders and letting the team make decisions. This flexible approach to leadership, known as "bimodal leadership," has been studied in all sorts of organizations, from big corporations to sports teams and startups.

Here's the deal: If leaders always act like they're in charge and never listen to others, it can stifle creativity and ideas in online communities. But if leaders are too laid back and let everyone have an equal say all the time, it can lead to confusion and slow progress.

The best leaders and teams can switch back and forth between these two modes. They know when it's time to brainstorm ideas (that's when you want everyone to pitch in) and when it's time to make decisions (that's when someone needs to take the lead). They also make sure everyone feels comfortable speaking up.

Meetings are a big deal in online communities. They're where ideas get tossed around, decisions are made, and people get motivated. So, it's important for leaders to make the most of them. Here are four simple steps:

Question How Things Are Done: Leaders should rethink the idea that one person always has to be in charge. In online communities, things change fast, and the power structure should be flexible.

Pay Attention to Who Talks the Most: Leaders should be good at both leading and listening. Sharing power doesn't mean you're weak; it means you're a great leader who earns respect. People like working with leaders who listen.

Check Yourself and Your Team: Leaders and teams often don't realize they're stuck in one way of doing things. It helps to pay attention to your habits and ask for feedback from your team.

Create a Safe Space: Leaders should make sure everyone feels safe sharing their thoughts. When people feel heard and respected, they're more likely to work together better.

So, here's the bottom line: Understanding how your team works and knowing when to switch between power modes is key for effective online community meetings. By setting clear expectations and using rituals to signal changes, leaders can create a more productive environment where the community can thrive.

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