Leading by Example: How metaFox Cultivates Effective Leadership

Ask any expert about leadership, and you'll get different answers.

• John C. Maxwell defines leadership as "an influence - nothing more, nothing less" [1].

• Warren Bennis states, "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality" [2].

• James Macgregor Burns says, "Leadership is leaders inducing followers to act for certain goals that represent the values and the motivations – the wants and needs, the aspirations and expectations – of both leaders and followers" [3].

It's hard to pinpoint a singular definition for leadership because of its complicated and multifaceted nature. You can define leadership based on existing theories or create your own definition. As an organization, metaFox chose the latter. 

A house or building is only as good as the pillar it stands on. A simple structure with solid pillars can easily outlast a grander counterpart with weaker pillars. Just like how our products are founded on existing psychological theories and concepts, our leadership framework is founded on these four pillars:

Modeling

It all starts with showing who we are as individuals while demonstrating how we function within the company. This approach is grounded in the domino effect of inspiration and motivation from interacting with people we aspire to engage with or be part of the same community. Leaders should strive to set an excellent example for their team members, not by imposing hierarchy with statements like 'you have to follow me ' or 'this is what you have to do, ' but by showcasing a willingness to act from genuine inspiration.

At metaFox, we recognize that modeling also gives way to self-improvement. It enables us to focus on becoming better versions of ourselves as we strive to be a source of inspiration. This fosters a mutual growth and development culture where each team member is valued and empowered.

Listening

Sometimes, even as decision-makers, we may feel unsure. Listening to our team members generates ideas and aids in decision-making. By observing and understanding their needs and issues, we can better tackle problems rather than relying solely on our perspectives. Ignoring the insights from our team can be a significant downfall, as their input helps us lead more effectively. Listening and observing go hand in hand, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both leadership and the organization.

Feeling

Only some things will be told or shared with you. As leaders, we must sense when team members hesitate to speak up. This can be challenging, but providing space for our team members is crucial. This approach emphasizes that leadership is not just about the leaders but also about others, being there to support and encourage. This forms the foundation of trust, strengthening the team's connections.

Doing

After listening and understanding, we now take action. Listening and proposing solutions is insufficient if it does not come into fusion. Results can only be generated if ideas are implemented. 

Ultimately, we listen to achieve outcomes; effective leadership involves identifying problems, listening, and collaborating on solutions. You cannot do everything on your own. Taking action also means collaborating with different team members to achieve a particular goal. Your team is there to help and support you in the same way that you are willing to do so for them.

Leadership is Creating the Right Conditions For Growth

What comes to mind when you think of a leader? At the top of your head, you're probably thinking of someone who takes charge, inspires, and cares for their people. Perhaps you were thinking of a king, queen, or army general. Those are all reasonable guesses. 

Here at metaFox, there's one notable personification of leadership: a gardener. A gardener tends to their flowers daily, ensuring they are healthy and capable of growing to their full potential. In addition to watering the plants, the gardener needs to ensure that the environment supports growth. This means creating the right conditions for success by providing necessary resources, support, and authority. It begins with self-leadership and leading by example. We hold mini-workshops at the end of each month to develop our team members’ skills and further their knowledge on various topics. Each team member is also empowered to deliver their mini-workshop and impart what they have learned to other members. Additionally, all team members can access e-books for personal and professional development. There's also a week-long company retreat twice a year where all come to learn and train together. 

Once self-leadership is established, leaders can guide others and build on organizational structures:

• Setting a vision.

• Making a conscious impact.

• Motivating others to contribute to a shared, meaningful goal.

This is why the heads of our departments are called " Gardeners ."

Leadership as the "Shit Umbrella": Trust and Navigating Uncertainty

The phrase "manure rolls downhill" is a colloquial expression used to describe how problems, responsibilities, or blame are often passed down from higher levels of an organization to lower levels. Essentially, those at the top (e.g., executives or managers) push their burdens onto those below them, such as lower-level employees, who may have less power or ability to avoid the consequences.

Here at metaFox, it's a different story for our Gardeners. Leadership involves protecting the team from external pressures and distractions, allowing them to focus on their work. A leader acts as a "shit umbrella," shielding the team from problems and enabling them to perform at their best. At times, team members may be brought in to help. For example, an error in our system affected multiple orders, making it unfulfillable. The Gardeners are responsible for ensuring that the error is fixed while supporting other team members in dealing with the affected orders, allowing them to focus on what they have in control. The Gardener pays attention to solving the problem and ensuring the team is calm.

Our Gardener's ability to become the "shit umbrella" demonstrates the importance of shielding employees from undue stress and maintaining a positive work environment, ultimately leading to happier customers and a stronger, more resilient service team. The scenario above illustrates the crucial role of effective leadership in managing external pressures and protecting team members, highlighting how strategic intervention and clear communication can turn potentially chaotic situations into opportunities for growth and improvement.

Additionally, leadership is about instilling trust in the mission and guiding the team through uncertainty with calm and reassurance, ensuring that the team remains focused and confident in achieving its goals despite challenges.

Leadership Beyond Titles: Guiding, Inspiring, and Empathizing

Through various leadership styles, our Gardeners are present and supportive in their respective teams. They guide and inspire their team members while empathizing and meeting their needs. They can schedule 1-to-1 sessions with their team members to check in on them when needed or requested. For example, someone struggling with one task can open up to their Gardener without repercussions. The Gardener listens to their struggles and concerns, and together, they figure out what the task entails and break it down into actionable steps. Here, team members are constantly reminded that they are not alone with their tasks and can always collaborate with other team members or delegate the tasks to others.

Our Gardeners motivate their team members, acting more as influencers than directors. They give their team members freedom and confidence in their work while guiding them toward a common goal. During weekly meetings, our Gardeners help team members gain new insights and boost their self-esteem by asking questions, listening, and challenging critical thinking. New projects are scrutinized, but only to the point where scrutiny aims to ensure that the project will benefit the organization in the long run.

Using the “Leadership Inside-Out” framework

Leadership is often defined in a group context, but picture this: everyone in this world is a leader. We apply leadership in various aspects of our lives, and it usually starts from leading ourselves, knowing and understanding what we want and need, and crafting the path we want to take. With this, our perspective gradually widens, and our ability to lead surpasses ourselves. This is the vision behind the metaFox deep pictures set, "Leadership Inside-Out." Designed to revolutionize leadership development, this innovative card set encourages leaders to embark on a journey of introspection and self-discovery.

At the heart of the "Leadership Inside-Out" framework are four essential categories that guide this transformative process: lead yourself, lead others, lead organizations, and conscious impact. Each card in the set features evocative images and powerful questions, all meticulously crafted to inspire deep reflection and mindful leadership practices.

Step into a new leadership paradigm with metaFox's "Leadership Inside-Out" deep pictures set. Begin your transformation journey today and discover the profound impact of leading from within.

In conclusion, metaFox leadership is more than just guiding a team—it's about nurturing growth, providing support, and shielding the team from undue stress. By embodying the principles of the gardener and the "shit umbrella," our leaders create an environment where every member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our collective goals. This unique approach ensures that we navigate challenges effectively and foster a culture of trust, resilience, and continuous improvement. At metaFox, our commitment to robust and empathetic leadership sets us apart and drives our success.