Spring has just sprung (scientifically, anyway), and here in the northern hemisphere, we are now headed into the time of year when we have more daylight than darkness (and when weather tends to improve and temperatures trend upwards). I find myself a spring-and-summer person (at least weather-wise), and as I welcomed the return of spring, I got to thinking about how the seasonal cycle reflects some of the ways our leadership styles can cycle back and forth based on need (and sometimes the weather). Below, I’ve shared what I see as the four seasonal leadership frames. I recognize that my own bias toward the seasons may influence how I visualize these four styles.
Spring leadership
Since we are starting the spring in my part of the world, I’ll start here. The spring leader sees the value of past struggles and recognizes that conditions are shifting toward milder leadership events. A spring leader is often someone progressing through a significant change event; possibly the hardest part of that change has just happened, and now the leader has a bit of “breathing room.” Spring leaders tend to be more extroverted, more energetic and more willing to please. They tend to be more optimistic and believe that much is possible. Their cup is full, and they are focused on filling others’ cups.
Summer leadership
The summer leader is an action-taker. Full of energy and resolve, often well-rested and in good health, the summer leader is prepared to push work forward with everything in their power. Like the spring leader, the summer leader is personable, connected and recognizes the importance of relationships. The summer leader knows how to live in the present and is also aware of the future. The summer leader is at a seasonal apex, recognizing that the best circumstances have been presented to them and that they must take advantage of everything they can to keep moving forward.
Autumn leadership
The autumn leader is reflective. Looking back on what was serves as a helpful springboard to thinking of what could be. More introspective than other seasonal leaders, the autumn leader recognizes that leadership often puts us at a crossroads, and the autumn leader is often primed to move into more challenging territory. The autumn leader thinks deeply about the choices ahead and recognizes that leadership is often very challenging. The autumn leader is often prepared for difficult change ahead, and is well-positioned to plan for and begin carrying out whatever that change may be.
Winter leadership
The winter leader is in the thick of it. This leader recognizes that strength and persistence are being tested, and while good things will eventually come, it takes hard work and resolve to get there. The winter leader is often hunkered down, focused on riding out the storm of rich adaptive and technical problems. While this leader recognizes the power of people, the winter leader is also clued in to the importance of process. Knowing that times can change, these leaders leverage some of the most difficult aspects of change to ensure that everyone they encounter can navigate it productively and come through stronger than before.
All four seasons are important faces of leadership. And all of us regularly move through the seasonal leadership phases. No season is tied to age or experience, nor is it time-bound. Instead, our personalities and approaches lead us to favor certain seasonal leadership frames. For that reason alone, we need to force ourselves to richly experience and value all four of them.
Which leadership season do you find yourself spending the most time occupying? Which do you believe you need to connect with more deeply? Here’s to hoping that we all have ample opportunity to grow through all four seasons of leadership!
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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