VFL: A Visible, Felt, and Effective Leadership Style

Understanding Visible Felt Leadership (VFL)

Visible Felt Leadership (VFL) represents a transformative approach to leadership, one that emphasises the power of presence and the tangible impact leaders have on their teams.

Unlike traditional leadership models that often rely on authority and hierarchy, VFL is about leaders being actively present, accessible, and deeply engaged with the people they lead. It’s not just about being seen; it’s about being felt — creating an environment where the influence and care of leadership are experienced daily by everyone in the organisation.

Key Elements of VFL

1. Visibility with Purpose:
   At the core of VFL is the idea that leaders must be highly visible within their organisations, but this visibility must be meaningful. It’s about more than just showing up; it’s about being present with intention. VFL leaders regularly engage with their teams, participate in daily operations, and are seen where the work happens. This level of visibility fosters trust, as employees recognise that their leaders are not detached decision-makers but are instead deeply involved and committed to their collective success.
2. Creating a Felt Experience:
   VFL goes beyond the visual presence of leadership to ensure that leadership is felt in the organisation’s culture and daily practices. Employees should feel the impact of their leaders’ decisions, support, and guidance. VFL leaders aim to inspire, motivate, and uplift their teams, ensuring that every interaction leaves a positive, lasting impression. This felt experience is crucial in building a workplace where employees feel genuinely valued, which in turn drives engagement and loyalty.
3. Empowerment through Engagement:
   A hallmark of VFL is its focus on empowering employees. By being visible and actively involved, VFL leaders create an environment where employees feel empowered to take ownership of their roles. This empowerment comes from knowing that their leaders are not just aware of their contributions but are also invested in their success. VFL leaders encourage open communication, invite feedback, and support employees in taking initiative, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
4. Building Strong Relationships:
   Relationships are at the heart of VFL. By being accessible and engaged, VFL leaders build strong, trust-based relationships with employees at all levels of the organisation. This relational approach breaks down barriers, encourages collaboration, and creates a sense of community within the workplace. Employees who feel connected to their leaders are more likely to be motivated, committed, and aligned with the organisation’s goals and values.

How VFL Differs from Other Leadership Styles

Visible Felt Leadership stands out in the leadership landscape due to its focus on presence and impact:

• Top-Down vs. Participative: Traditional leadership models often operate on a top-down basis, where decisions are made by those at the top and trickle down to the workforce. In contrast, VFL is participative. Leaders actively involve themselves in the daily activities of their teams, making decisions in collaboration with those who are directly affected by them. This approach not only empowers employees but also ensures that leaders have a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the organisation.
• Directive vs. Inspirational: While some leadership styles emphasise directive approaches, where leaders tell employees what to do, VFL is more about inspiration. Leaders in a VFL framework strive to inspire their teams by setting an example, demonstrating the values they wish to see, and providing the support needed for employees to thrive. This shift from telling to inspiring fosters a more engaged and self-motivated workforce.
• Hierarchical vs. Relational: Many traditional leadership styles are heavily hierarchical, creating a clear separation between leaders and employees. VFL, however, is relational, emphasising the importance of connections and relationships. Leaders are seen as part of the team, working alongside their employees rather than above them. This relational approach leads to stronger teamwork, better communication, and a more cohesive organisational culture.

The Benefits of Adopting VFL

Embracing Visible Felt Leadership can bring numerous advantages to an organisation:

• Increased Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: Employees who see and feel the presence of their leaders are more likely to be engaged in their work. They feel valued and appreciated, which leads to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
• Improved Team Performance and Productivity: When leaders are actively involved and supportive, teams perform better. VFL leaders help remove obstacles, provide necessary resources, and encourage collaboration, all of which contribute to higher productivity.
• Stronger Organisational Culture: VFL helps to build a strong, positive organisational culture. When leadership is visible and felt, it sets the tone for the rest of the organisation, promoting values like trust, respect, and mutual support.
• Enhanced Innovation and Creativity: A culture of empowerment and open communication, as fostered by VFL, encourages employees to share ideas and take creative risks. This leads to more innovative solutions and a continuous flow of fresh ideas.
• Greater Organisational Resilience: Organisations led by VFL leaders are better equipped to handle challenges. The strong relationships and open communication channels built through VFL ensure that the organisation can adapt quickly to changes and overcome obstacles with collective effort.

Why Choose VFL for Your Organisation?

Visible Felt Leadership is more than just a management strategy; it’s a leadership philosophy that prioritises people and relationships. For organisations aiming to foster a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment, VFL offers a proven pathway to success. Whether you’re facing challenges in employee engagement, seeking to improve your workplace culture, or striving to drive better performance, VFL provides the tools and mindset needed to achieve these goals.

Expand Your Leadership Skills with GLOMACS

For those interested in mastering the principles of VFL, GLOMACS offers comprehensive courses designed to help leaders develop the skills necessary to implement VFL in their organisations. Through these courses, you’ll learn how to increase your visibility, create a positive felt experience, and build stronger relationships with your teams, all of which contribute to more effective and inspiring leadership.

Explore GLOMACS Visible Felt Leadership Courses Training Course

By integrating VFL into your leadership approach, you can transform your organisation into a thriving, resilient, and innovative workplace, where every employee feels seen, heard, and valued. Embrace VFL today and lead your team to new heights of success. To view the full outline click Intelligent Felt Leadership Training Course

Quick Links:

• Health, Safety & Environment Training Course
• Management & Leadership Training Course
• Assets & Maintenance Training Courses
• Quality & Audit Training Courses