Role of the Buffer

Leaders wear many hats, but have you ever played the buffer?

By definition, it’s a cushion against the shock of fluctuation in business.

Translation: taking the “hit” from both sides because you’re in the middle.

Now if this sounds like a warning, it’s because it is.

I’m a firm believer that management isn’t for everyone.

And companies would be better off knowing this before promoting a new manager, rather than in retrospect.

But we live in the present, so let’s jump into it today.

Think of leadership visually as a bridge.

Unless you’re in the C-Suite, you report to someone and someone reports to you (hence the middle).

Therefore you need to absorb the extreme blows of good and bad news.

I like to think of calmness - never getting too high or low.

Practically speaking here are 3 ways to prepare yourself.

1. Improve your listening skills

2. Improve your communication skills

3. Be flexible

Listening and communicating go hand-in-hand.

You can’t be good at one and not the other (well, you can be, but it’s not a good thing).

Think of communication as a two-way street between the sender and receiver.

As the “bridge,” your job is to provide clarity in the place of miscommunication.

Almost like a translator between the two ends.

That may not sound appealing, but it’s part of the job.

In fact, how well you relay messages back and forth impacts the fluidity in both directions.

It reminds me of a liaison.

In a school setting, a parental liaison sits between families and schools.

That’s the definition of a true buffer.

Outside of listening and communicating is being flexible.

Simply put, like a business plan how often does ‘Plan A’ come to fruition?

Flexibility has more to do with having back up plans and rolling with the punches.

As someone who considers themself a planner, I prefer to have structure, but when I don’t I’ve learned to deal with it.

There’s also the ‘ripple effect’ of leading by example that has an impact on your team.

You can’t ask your people to be calm under stress if you freak out normally.

In a way, the role of buffer eases both sides well.

When I consult, the company who hires me versus the employees I work with tend to be different.

My role is to work effectively with both parties, even bridging the communication when possible (without breaching confidentiality).

If buffering sounds complex it’s because it is.

Once again, why management isn’t for everyone!

• If the concept of buffering is intriguing to you, that’s a good sign you might be leadership material.

• If the explanation nauseated you, it can be a red flag.

You see the crazy part of being a leader is embracing the challenge described above.

1. It’s knowing what you’re getting into.

2. Admitting you don’t have all the answers (but will seek them).

3. And welcoming the chaos of managing different personalities and egos.

The call of leading people is tough.

But great leaders wouldn’t have it any other way.

God Bless,

Scott

P.S. Although leadership can be complex, here’s how to make it more simplistic👇