Overcoming the challenges of technological advances, increased customer expectations and the creation of a global marketplace is not easy. One sure way is to make leadership the responsibility of everyone in the organisation. That means that everyone needs to be more flexible, yet take on greater responsibility for the organisation’s success.
Constraints can prevent organisations from responding, reacting and adapting to these business realities. In order to ensure that results are achieved there are some critical leadership strategies to be followed:
- Create a compelling future by having a vision that excites everyone in the organisation.
- Effective communication.
- Exceed customer expectations.
- Involve every member of the team. Good team work involves everyone and all their talents.
- Manage work horizontally.
- Build your reputation by building credibility.
Having a vision and knowing how to communicate it to the team
It takes strength of character, diplomacy, good values and strong principles to be a good leader. The best leaders can prove their worth by remaining cool and in control in the face of adversity. Great leaders have vision and the ability to influence others to buy into and achieve his or her vision.
Vision gives a team a mission and purpose. A great leader will know how to convey the vision to his workforce in a manner that will align their personal vision and mission to that of the team and the organisation. A “wow” vision is what a team would struggle for, compete for, fight for and sacrifice for and under the correct leadership, will accomplish successfully.
A leader with a vision but without the ability to convey this vision to the team is like a hot air balloon without someone at the helm. Everything is ready, but there’s no one to get it off the ground! A key factor in good leadership is the ability to communicate with the team. No amount of vision will help if the great leader fails to get buy-in from the team.
Getting buy-in means to influence the team by explaining, motivating and negotiating and most importantly, listening to the team. A great leader is a good listener who is focused on finding the best way to accomplish the vision and finding solutions to overcome obstacles and constraints and not always having their own way.
A dynamic leader will not only have the ability to convey the vision and get buy-in, but also have the ability to bring out the best in each individual team member in the process. Great leadership will ensure that the team understands and can articulate the team’s vision and goals.
Good and effective communication is the key. A good leader will be able to talk to the team and influence them to succeed and when they are sold on the idea, gently guide them to a resounding victory.
Allowing the customer to drive the organisation
Strategically managing each customer’s experience to create a positive memory is perhaps the most important ingredient in cultivating customer loyalty. We earn customer loyalty one customer at a time. Good leaders empower individuals on the team to create positive memories for the customers.
Involving every mind
Each team member has their own skills, knowledge, abilities and talents. A dynamic leader will know how to uncover each person’s special talents and allow individuals to contribute fully to achieve the team’s vision.
Managing work horizontally
Managing work horizontally can produce major, organisational pay-offs. Even though most organisations are organised vertically by departments, work actually flows through an organisation horizontally, across departments. A good leader will manage people, processes and work-flow horizontally.
Building your reputation
Building a good reputation takes time. The basis for a good reputation is earned by saying the right things and following up with the right action. Your conduct determines your reputation. You have to do a continuous, consistent string of small good deeds that will positively affect people around you.
By Elsabé Manning