A word a concept beaten to a pulp. Every possible angle viewed and then reviewed, dissected ad nauseam. The aim of all these endeavours: to create and re-create leadership at levels. At Ensemble, we believe it is critical for all levels of Management to display conviction and direction (read leadership) if Organisations are to become agile. A critical ingredient of sustainability and growth, today.

Leadership ought to be a common noun; for it is as much about singular drive as it is about collective and cohesive action

So what’s on offer here? Well, the obvious perhaps but hidden in plain sight?

What’s this nebulous wraith called Leadership? We know it when we see it and define it terms of people who possess self-belief and drive. Gandhi, Sardar, MacArthur, Alexander; knew what they wanted with each of their convictions scripted in granite.

Let’s see how we can incubate these venerated values within us and our Organisations:

1. Democratise Information:

More often than not information (domain expertise) rests with key individuals who are guarded and tactical with its dissemination. Usually, will only exchange it to wrest a strategic advantage. This resides in silos like most key activities.
The incubation of Leadership requires the free flow of knowledge and wisdom across the Organisation. The wisdom gleaned from past failures and successes is critical to this exercise.

2. Empower without fear:

You are given the mandate to capture or become dominant in a market but not the choice to deploy the most potent weapon in your armoury. Research shows that we do not empower our team members out fear; fear of failure and fear of success – more often than it is the latter.

3. Allow for failure:

A stigmatized word in cultures around the world “failure”. Yet, it is a critical stepping stone for any new breakthrough. Many pioneers believe that if you are not failing then you are not working on the frontier of an endeavour.
We are accountable for results and success yet we must allow for failure and understand that no one aspires to fail; failure is a necessary concomitant of breakthrough and success.

4. Reward Drive and Conviction:

These are one of the most underestimated values that go unrewarded more often than not. They are often interpreted as arrogance and self-righteousness. Yet they fuel leadership and a thirst for success. If we are to create effective leaders we must appreciate and reward drive and conviction.

5. Managers as enablers:

Leaders in the making are constantly enabled by their managers. They seek ways of removing obstacles and coaching their teams to success. They share their learnings freely with their teams helping them avoid pitfalls and reaching their goals.

6. Create leaders:

Great leaders aim at creating leadership across the rank and file. They are constantly looking and encouraging individuals with a drive. Lack of insecurity and openness is a quality that resonates with their teams. An abiding respect for their colleagues and team members typifies their approach.

 

 

Do share your views and add to our list in the comments section below.
We would love to hear from you.

 

photo credit: Israel Defense Forces 401th Brigade Soldiers Recives Their Fighter’s Pin via photopin (license)