Or Else! Is not inspiring…

As I type this, Australian Test Cricket’s Captain Marvel Steve Smith is attempting to rescue Australia’s first innings in the first test, seeking to scratch out an improbable lead and put some pressure on the Poms. His task was unfortunately made much more difficult by the Australian selectors, who decided to put pressure on their own team before a single ball was bowled.

The selectors decided to drop proven performer Matt Renshaw based on his Sheffield Shield form, and throw in a debutant to open the most high-pressure test series in the world. Despite a strong showing in recent tests, Renshaw was cast aside; while that is no doubt devastating to him, the effect on the team is worse.

The selectors have shown that constant success is the only option, and that they have no confidence in any player beyond his last innings. For debutant Cameron Bancroft and resurgent Usman Khawaja-both of whom failed-the second innings represents astonishing pressure as the selectors have shown they use a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately policy; that is unlikely to increase their chances of success.

In fact, every player in the Australian Test Team will now be playing while looking over their shoulders, which is a recipe for failure-and there are plenty of leaders and managers who put similar pressure on their own teams. Fearing the sack-or even just a full-on chewing-out for every setback-doesn’t make anyone work hard, except on their CVs. Talented people leave those environments, and poor workers avoid doing anything for fear of retribution for failure.

The hypothesis that a fearful workforce is a productive one has all the credibility of a politician’s promise. On the other hand, a team that is full of people who know that their leaders believe in them and have confidence that they will succeed is a team that will deliver. If you have done your recruitment and training properly, you should have full confidence in your team and show that confidence overtly; trust me, you will be glad you did.

In my own role, the confidence and belief shown in me by QLS Ethics Director Stafford Shepherd and President Christine Smyth in 2017 has made it the most productive by far of my tenure with the Society. Knowing that they have belief in my ability and will back my judgement is empowering. The job of a leader is to make the people around them better, and a good start is showing confidence and commitment; when your team knows you’ve got their back, they’ll have yours and deliver accordingly.

Back your staff, let them know they are secure and appreciated, and then stand back and watch them go; make that attitude part of your DNA and ensure your team knows you truly believe in them. When it comes to leadership, if you fake it you fudge it-and so will your team; just ask our test players, 7/213 chasing 302 as I publish this...