Leadership

There are many thousands of books written about leadership… and it would be presumptuous to think they could be summarised here.  But in general, there is agreement on the following essential elements.  An excellent leader:

Inspires all the people it takes to make the vision real.

  • Is visible. Communicates clearly and often, providing clear direction to the organisation.
  • Sets high expectations for performance and enables their achievement.  Drives continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Excites and motivates the organisation.  Stimulates people rather than controlling them.

Positions the business for strategic advantage in attractive industries of the future.

  • Develops and deploys effective strategy, based on sound understanding of changing stakeholder requirements.
  • Manages change effectively.

Creates an organisational culture of integrity, respect, courage, trust and discipline.

  • Leads by example, lives the values, and encourages others to do the same.

Gets the right people into the organisation, and the wrong people out.

  • Creates an organisational structure that is appropriate to the needs of the business and individuals in it.
  • Attracts and retains high calibre people.

Looks after the long-term health of the organisation.

  • Ensures internal processes are working effectively and efficiently, and sets the company up for sustainability.
  • Develops skills and capabilities within the organisation.
  • Catalyses learning and continuous improvement.

In order to achieve these things, leaders need to have a range of competencies, including:

  • Self-awareness:  Knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses and having a sound sense of self-worth. The ability to read one’s own emotions and understand their impact.
  • Self-management: The ability to keep disruptive emotions under control, and display honesty and integrity.  The drive to improve performance, and the flexibility to adapt to changing situations.
  • Social awareness: Empathy for others. The ability to read the politics.
  • Relationship management: Conflict management and negotiation skills. The ability to persuade, inspire and motivate others.