In any workplace, there’s often comes a moment when a leader isn’t leading. Whether it’s due to a personal crisis, a lack of direction, or simply not knowing how to guide the team, it can leave employees wondering, “What now?” It might feel like the ship is adrift at sea without a captain, but it doesn’t mean you can’t grab the wheel. Here’s how to lead when your boss can’t or won’t.
Recognize the Situation
Before taking any action, it’s essential to recognize what’s going on.
Is your boss unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, or is there a deeper issue at play?
Understanding the situation is necessary to determine how best to step in.
Observe if your team is struggling, if decisions are getting delayed, or if morale is low. The clearer you see the problem, the better you can address it.
Communicate Openly with Your Team
Transparency is key. If you decide to step up, let your team know what’s happening.
This doesn’t mean gossiping about your boss but rather sharing your observations and offering your support. Encourage open dialogue.
Ask questions like, “How are we feeling about our current projects?” If it feels right, you can also open a discussion about how to best support “leadership” during this challenging time. No names are necessarily needed.
When you invite others to share, it builds trust.
Trust is the foundation of teamwork, and it’s what you’ll need to weather any storm.
Learn How to Lead the Team Everyone Wants to be On
How to Lead: Set Clear Goals and Priorities
When a leader isn’t setting the direction, it’s your job to step in and establish goals.
Create a roadmap for your team. What needs to be accomplished? What are the priorities?
Lay out the tasks and assign roles if necessary.
This will not only provide clarity but also help the team feel a sense of purpose.
Learn How to Set Goals that Stick at Work
Take Initiative
Sometimes, you have to be the one to make decisions.
Start taking initiative, even with the small stuff.
Propose ideas in meetings or share suggestions over email.
This isn’t about overstepping your bounds; it’s about filling a gap.
Foster Team Morale and Support
A team without direction can easily fall into despair.
Make it a point to boost morale. Celebrate small wins.
A simple “Great job!” can go a long way in lifting spirits.
Also, offer support to team members who might be feeling lost or stressed.
How to Lead: Suggest Solutions
While you’re steering the ship, don’t forget to keep your boss in the loop.
If they’re absent, consider it your responsibility to suggest solutions or provide updates.
This shows initiative and respect for their role, even if they’re not fulfilling it right now.
Send a brief email outlining your thoughts.
You might say, “I’ve noticed we’re facing some challenges. Here are a few ideas that might help.”
It’s all about keeping the lines of communication open.
Be Prepared to Adapt
The situation may change quickly. Your boss could return, or circumstances might shift again.
Stay flexible.
If your boss decides to take back the reins, be ready to support them rather than resist.
How to Lead with Confidence and Compassion
Stepping up when your boss can’t or won’t isn’t about taking control; it’s about being a compassionate leader and colleague.
By recognizing the situation, communicating, and fostering team spirit, you help create a supportive environment.
Even if you’re not the official leader, you have the power to make a difference.
Be the guiding light your team needs when direction from above is lacking.
In the end, leadership often comes down to having the courage to step up when others step back.
Learn More About Compassionate Leadership
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant and coach. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate leadership, including leading and mentoring current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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