Leaders Forge Thriving Organizations
Whether an organization thrives or not depends on many factors. One key factor is its leadership. Leaders who build their own greatness often fail to make their organizations great. Good leaders have emotional intelligence and strong communication skills, but what does it look like when they lead organizations?
Great leaders:
Cast a vision and develop a strategy. They are passionate about the organization's mission and have a clear vision of what the organization exists to achieve in the long term. They communicate their vision to their teams and get them on board, knowing their "WHY" to keep the momentum going even when obstacles arise. They focus on the outcome rather than the quantity of actions.
Foster integrity and trust. They are honest and ethical in all their actions, and they create a culture where everyone feels comfortable communicating openly. They address issues head-on and create a safe space for people to learn and grow.
Empower people to do their best work. They see their people's unique strengths and give them the autonomy and authority to use their expertise to solve problems and lead initiatives. They motivate and inspire their people to be innovative, take calculated risks, and provide guidance and coaching rather than micromanaging.
Enable people to do their work. In addition to empowering their team, great leaders set them up for success by providing the needed resources and clear guidelines. They set realistic expectations and allocate time and effort to reach the best outcome, even when funding is limited. They balance analysis, consensus, and decision-making, considering different perspectives and opinions, and make tough judgment calls when needed.
Reward high performance and service. They set measurable performance goals and evaluate the outcomes of intangible services as well as tangible ones. They reward collaboration and teamwork, and advocate for their employees to get the recognition they deserve, whether through tangible rewards or opportunities to grow into their desired professional directions. They recognize those who are willing to work backstage so others around them shine brighter.
Hold themselves accountable. They set high standards for themselves and their teams, and they hold everyone accountable for meeting those standards. They are also willing to take responsibility for their own mistakes.
Stay humble. They are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, and they are always open to learning and growing. They encourage others to do the same, creating a culture of continuous learning and development.
Great leaders are essential for thriving organizations. By embodying the qualities listed above, leaders can create a culture of trust, innovation, and high performance. This will enable their organizations to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
