Today’s Leader

In today’s global economy, effective leadership development programs focus on more than just the needs of the individual. A well thought out program places development activities into context by applying it within a framework of specific business challenges facing the organization.

This isn’t to say that the individual development isn’t important, surely it is. It just means, with many organizations in hyper-active survival mode, the emphasis should be placed on developing leaders as they deal with real world situations in real time to move the organization in the right direction.

The needs of the organization today are vastly different than before the housing collapse that led to the deepest economic downturn since the Depression.

It is harder to lead your team when resources are scarce. How can the organization succeed when it is having difficulty putting the right talent in the right jobs at the right time? After all, the role of the servant leader is to provide the team with the right resources and right opportunities so they can get the job done.

Teams are motivated when they know their leader is behind them. The leader must align the team with the organization’s strategic direction. Instead of standing still or retreating to your corner whenever a worthwhile goal is not receiving the reception you had hoped for, the leader looks for way(s) to get it done anyway. They are resourceful and possess a tremendous amount of initiative. They involve their team in this process. She operates from the notion that all things are possible –if the stakes are high enough. Now, you can do all of this and the goal will still not move forward, that’s the reality. The leader understands this, but they always try when they see it as a worthy endeavor.

Leaders should be perceived as people who operate from moral authority, rather than formal authority. Sure, they wield a certain amount of decision making firepower. But great leaders don’t shoot guns, just because they have them. They lead from example, to do something because it is the right thing to do. They model the behavior they want to see. Gandhi was such as figure. Even though he was never elected to public office, there was no denying he was India’s leader.

Today’s leader must understand the business from a technical viewpoint. Sure he will rely on the experts, but he still needs to make informed decisions. He should understand their core services and delivery systems, the shifting needs of the marketplace in a downturn economy, as he sees how to get it all done better, faster and cheaper.

Another critical aspect of presence is composure. When things are falling apart, the leader cannot allow herself to become the first domino that starts the implosion. Great leadership can be relied on at all times, more so during a crisis. People have to have faith before they will follow.

Communicating effectively means connecting with your team on their level. Yes, you help articulate the performance outcomes. The leader must also listen to those around her. In order to be influential, the leader must be willing to be influenced. Learn through the feedback loops. See your team as multifaceted people, not as job descriptions with legs.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, great leaders do not have to be charismatic. It’s the deeds you do, not your hair do that matters. If the leader demonstrates character and good intentions, is capable in terms of knowledge, skills and attitude, and has a track record of consistently delivering results, he earns the team’s trust. Having trust in a leader is absolutely essential in getting employees to align and maximize their efforts with that of the organization.

The leader must we willing to adapt to changing conditions quickly. A sunny sky can quickly turn to a downpour, if we’ve been neglectful. She will do this through planning, preparation and prevention. She understands that in today’s economy, you have to be ready for anything. That, or become the next casualty. What are you prepared to do? Are you ready?