Leaders Shift To Remain Effective In Changing Times
By Joe Broullette, Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant
No truer statement has ever been uttered and the realities of leadership effectiveness today demonstrate this on a global scale. Frankly, for most it is a matter of survival, not just convenience.
Yes, the global landscape has changed, if you can’t see it, then you are not looking. Culture, supply chains, markets, labor, technology, logistics, quality, prices, costs, etc.,etc.,etc, constantly change... nothing stays the same.
Leaders shift, adapt, adjust, realign, refocus and renew to meet the demands of change, but in the midst of all this there is some really good news....The Core Fundamentals never change. How we apply them changes. Effective leaders know how to apply yesterday’s values today.
Think about it...real leadership is about influence, not position, title or rank. Influential leaders lead through character expressed in integrity, truth, courage, and humility. They put moral authority ahead of positional authority.
The undeniable role of a leader is to cast a vision and assemble resources to achieve an outcome....period.
This requires the leader to adapt to current reality...call it transformation, and it requires the leader to shift, this is transformation at its core.
Managing change in business is certainly not new. All businesses eventually realize that change is inevitable for growth, if not survival...you can only coast downhill.
A Core Fundamental: Focus on what is real...now and for your future.
Nothing can get done without leadership, and leaders need followers. To borrow a phrase from a great leader and leadership mentor, John Maxwell, “Shift from being a soloist to being a conductor”. High performing teams see things sooner and with a wider view than an individual.
The most critical attribute of a high performing team is TRUST. Vulnerability is the key to trust, and trust is the key to influence. It thrives in transparent environments under humility and is driven by the simple pursuit of the truth.
I believe the most effective style of leadership is Servant Leadership....when leaders change their focus from receiving to giving, they set the foundation for trust...vulnerability. Seeking to understand, before we seek to be understood, sends a message that says.... knowing what is important to you is important to me. This is an essential element of trust.
A Core Fundamental: When you focus on serving others, trust ensues
Effective leaders invest in value when they sow seeds of success. They understand that you can’t have a big return if you make a small investment. Leaders focus on value delivery in everything they do, and this behavior inspires others to do likewise. Frankly, delivering value is the only scorecard that counts.
Zig Ziglar, a world renown motivator says, “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
Leading with an abundance mind-set enables sustainable value delivery and puts everyone in a position to win.
A Core Fundamental: Set your focus on value delivery
The art of leadership is dynamic and as such, change is always part of the equation. Remember, leaders see the big picture and they see it sooner than others.
Leaders are always shifting, transforming, adapting, and reconnecting. These are the keys to personal and organizational growth.
Talent is a Gift...Character is a Choice!!
You can reach Joe at joe@livingwholehearted.com to inquire about individual coaching or leadership consultation opportunities.