The Leadership Imperative: Fighting for Your Team

The Leadership Imperative: Fighting for Your Team

By Mark Wager

Leadership is often discussed in terms of vision, strategy, and decision-making. Yet, there is a crucial element that is frequently overlooked: the willingness to fight for your team. More than policies, processes, or even performance metrics, people want a leader who they believe will stand up for them, advocate on their behalf, and protect their interests.

A striking example of this came from a recent interview with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), the U.S. Representative for New York’s 14th congressional district. Known for her progressive politics, AOC represents a political ideology that is often considered the polar opposite of current U.S. President Donald Trump, who is typically associated with far-right conservatism. Despite these vast political differences, AOC discovered something fascinating during the last U.S. election: a significant number of voters in her district voted for both her and Trump.

Puzzled by this apparent contradiction, she reached out to these voters and asked why they had chosen to support two politicians who, on the surface, had little in common. The answer was revealing: they believed that both AOC and Trump would fight for them.

Regardless of political affiliations, this response highlights a fundamental truth about leadership. People are drawn to leaders who they believe will stand by them, represent their interests, and go to battle on their behalf. Whether in politics, business, or sports, the best leaders are not just those who make good decisions; they are those who create an unshakable sense of loyalty by showing they are willing to fight for their people.

The Power of Fighting for Your Team

Many leaders assume that their authority or position automatically commands respect. However, respect is not given - it is earned. And one of the most powerful ways to earn the respect of your team is to demonstrate, through both words and actions, that you are willing to stand up for them.

1. Advocating for Their Needs

A leader who fights for their team actively works to ensure their people have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. This might mean pushing for higher budgets, better working conditions, or career development programs. Leaders who take the easy road, staying silent when their team faces challenges, quickly lose trust. A leader who is seen going to bat for their people, even in difficult conversations with upper management, earns lasting respect.

2. Taking Responsibility in Tough Times

One of the worst things a leader can do is shift blame when things go wrong. A true leader absorbs pressure and protects their team from unnecessary fallout. When mistakes happen, strong leaders step forward and say, “This is on me.” Conversely, when success comes, they make sure the credit goes to their team. This balance builds a culture where people feel valued and supported, knowing their leader has their back.

3. Defending Your Team Against Unfair Criticism

Every team will face criticism at some point, whether from external stakeholders, customers, or even within the organisation. While constructive feedback should always be welcomed, a leader’s role is to ensure their team is not unfairly scapegoated. Leaders who stand up for their people, who refuse to let them be blamed for things beyond their control, build an environment where trust and morale thrive.

4. Empowering Team Members to Succeed

Fighting for your team does not mean shielding them from challenges; it means equipping them to handle those challenges. Leaders who truly fight for their team invest in their growth, provide them with learning opportunities, and empower them to take ownership of their work. It’s not about doing the work for them but about ensuring they have what they need to succeed.

5. Leading with Authenticity and Courage

A leader who fights for their team must also have the courage to challenge the status quo. This might mean speaking up against outdated policies, resisting pressure to make unethical decisions, or pushing for changes that benefit the team. Leaders who are too concerned with pleasing everyone or avoiding conflict often end up failing those they lead. Real leadership requires making tough decisions and sometimes taking risks to protect and advance the interests of your team.

The Emotional Connection: Why It Matters

The key takeaway from the AOC interview is not about politics; it’s about human nature. People want leaders who will fight for them because it creates a deep emotional connection. This connection is what inspires loyalty, commitment, and trust.

When people feel their leader is truly in their corner, they become more engaged, more resilient, and more willing to go the extra mile. They no longer see their job as just a paycheck; they see it as part of a shared mission. This is the foundation of high-performing teams.

How to Show Your Team You Will Fight for Them

If you want to be the kind of leader who earns this level of trust and commitment, consider these key actions:

Listen actively. Make sure your team knows their concerns and challenges matter to you.

Speak up on their behalf.  Whether it’s pushing for a promotion, defending them in a meeting, or requesting additional resources, show them that you will stand up for what’s right.

Share in the struggles.  Don’t just delegate the hard work; be in the trenches with your team when times get tough.

Celebrate their successes.  Give credit where it’s due and ensure your team’s efforts are recognised.

Be transparent and honest. Even when the truth is difficult, your team will respect a leader who is open and forthright with them.

Leadership is not just about making decisions; it’s about inspiring trust and commitment. And one of the most powerful ways to earn that trust is to show your team that you will fight for them.

This doesn’t mean avoiding accountability or shielding them from challenges. It means being their advocate, their defender, and their champion. It means showing up for them, even when it’s difficult. Because when people believe their leader is truly in their corner, they will go to extraordinary lengths to succeed not just for themselves, but for the team.

In the end, the best leaders are not just those who lead from the front but those who stand with their team, ready to fight for their success.