The real measure of your leadership ability is your ability to build and maintain a high-performing team. Do you have a better definition of leadership?
There are specific qualities that leaders must demonstrate if they want their people to voluntarily commit themselves to action in support of a common cause. The majority of us look for leaders who are honest, forward-looking, inspiring and competent. Consistently these four characteristics rank well above any other qualities desired in leaders.
Leadership and management training is provided within many organisations. Leadership skills, on the other hand, are less widely applied. Teaching managers new skills is one thing. Getting them to apply what they have learned is another matter entirely.
The ability for senior leaders to promote a compelling vision, and for managers to consistently remind people how their work contributes to the mission, vision and values of the organisation, is critical. But it is only part of leadership.
In last week’s post I discussed the importance of people managers in driving organisational performance. This week, let’s examine leading even when you have no management or leadership role.
A recent article in the NZ Herald highlighted the work of Robin Sharma, author of the bestselling book The Monk who sold his Ferrari.
It turns out that Sharma is something of a leadership guru, in a personal development kind of way. For example, the marketing for his latest book, The Leader who had no Title, recommends that you ‘get ready for an amazing new life’ once you’ve read it.
Every organisation has a purpose. A story about who they are and what they seek to achieve. How this story is framed and communicated is a critical part of creating an engaged, motivated and productive workplace.
Easter gave me the opportunity to think about the leadership of Jesus Christ. Christ consistently set an example for others to follow. In doing so he earned the right and respect to lead millions of people through the centuries since his death on the cross. I personally believe that when Christ said, “I am the Way” he meant that he was an example of what we all could do for ourselves.
It is that time of year. The season to again reflect on the life, teachings and leadership of Jesus Christ.