Leadership by Osmosis: A Reflection on Management Styles in High-Pressure Industries

Author: Ms Lindie Bruyns, Head of Training and Development, Henley Air Flight Training

In a recent presentation, a speaker discussed a concept that was new to me - leadership through osmosis. This notion prompted deep reflection on my own journey as a leader, especially when it comes to both my successes and my failures in leading teams.

Over the course of my career, I've encountered nearly every type of management style. Some have proven effective, others more so, and some have been truly inspirational. However, on the other end of the spectrum, I’ve also witnessed management styles that were not just ineffective, but damaging - resulting in real costs to individuals and teams.

As leaders, especially in high-pressure industries like aviation, we must acknowledge the acute impact we have on our teams, colleagues, and organisations. Negative leadership experiences can have far-reaching consequences, not just on morale, but also on safety - ultimately risking lives. It’s our inherent duty as leaders to ensure that every team member under our guidance receives the support, encouragement, and direction they need to foster a positive work culture. This culture is what enables safety and gives individuals the boldness to thrive.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I have learned more from the "iron-fisted" leaders than from the more inspirational ones. However, my personal leadership style has been shaped primarily by the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead.

The Iron Fist: Lessons in What Not to Do

The iron-fisted leaders I encountered taught me a valuable lesson: I should never negatively affect anyone’s passion for their work or cause them harm. Just because employees are paid doesn’t mean they are any less human or that their well-being should be disregarded. These leaders made me realise that I never wanted to lead with fear, nor should I have the power to diminish someone's love for their job. Their approach made me deeply reflect on the kind of leader I did not want to be, and it set a standard for the leadership I would provide - one built on respect, fairness, and empathy.

Inspirational Leaders: Lessons in Engagement and Empathy

In contrast, the inspirational leaders I worked with provided insight into the kind of leader I aspired to become. They taught me the value of truly listening to my team, applying empathy, and engaging with emotional intelligence in every interaction. I learned that leadership is not just about providing direction, but also about developing individuals to reach their potential - both for their own benefit and for the success of the team and organisation. A motivated, engaged team is one that will go above and beyond to achieve the collective goal.

My Greatest Teachers: The Teams I Led

The greatest lessons, however, have come from the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead. I’ve learned that my greatest leadership success has come from developing high-functioning teams capable of thriving in fast-paced, high-stress environments. This success was made possible by investing in each team member’s growth. It’s about building a sense of pride in their accomplishments and fostering a culture where mutual respect is paramount.

I’ve always treated my team with the same respect I expect from my leaders, striving to understand each person’s motivations and adapting my leadership style accordingly. By recognising that no two individuals are the same, I’ve been able to manage effectively, despite the challenges. This approach has not only allowed me to build stronger teams but also to create a more dynamic and resilient work environment.

The Power of Adaptive Leadership

Despite facing criticism for this approach, I firmly believe that adaptability is key. We are all unique individuals contributing to a collective effort - whether within a department or across an entire organisation. Our differences are our strength. To assume that one leadership style works for everyone is not only naive, but also counterproductive. The most successful leaders are those who adapt their approach to the evolving needs of their teams and their individual members.

This adaptability is particularly crucial when it comes to discipline. Effective leadership involves maintaining high standards for the entire team while recognising that every individual is at a different stage in their personal and professional development. Not every mistake should be punished. Instead, we should view most mistakes as valuable learning opportunities and approach them with a balance of firmness and compassion.

The Role of Self-Awareness and Reflection

Leadership through osmosis is about more than observing others - it’s about reflection and self-awareness. As leaders, we must assess our own behaviours, acknowledge our successes, and learn from our failures. The decision to embrace positive leadership practices and guard against negative ones rests with us. Only we can decide the kind of impact we want to have on our teams and organisations.