Leadership Model

There isn’t much doubt that most effective high impact leaders are driven by a model. This is true even when that effective leader doesn’t take the time to define his personal unique model. A model is a tool that leaders use to predict future outcomes of current decisions; a tool that not only enhances personal creativity but encourages creativity in the minds of their employees. An executive’s model is built from the sum of their experiences, knowledge, deeds and, in fact, many of their mistakes. Best practice alone will not get the job done. Effective model driven leadership utilizing best practice is a combination that is an absolute must. Different leaders create their models through different approaches. Each model is unique to the individual but the following three examples explain the platform that models are built on.

The Competitive Desire Model

Some leaders strongly shape their model by working in every aspect of the business and also from learning the business from the ground up. They always carry a strong desire to compete and win. The Leaders competitive instincts are generally tempered by personal humility and respect for the individual managers on his team. Listening skills and genuine interest in what is right for the business are key tools in building a consensus. Belief in the employees is a guiding principle in leadership style. This same approach is used with both suppliers and customers to find the innovative win-win solution. Make no mistake; this approach is very different than typical negotiation approaches used in many wholesaler-distributors.

It becomes a discipline. This discipline circumvents growth mistakes so common in the industry. The other implication of this model is providing significant autonomy to the executive team. The leader makes sure the executive team has a detailed and shared vision of the business objectives and goals. He believes his role as chief executive is to provide the shared vision and make sure that it is clear and also current.

The Elegant, Powerful Win-Win Innovation & Creativity Model

Another variation of the servant style of leadership models is the elegant, powerful, and simple model. This model starts with an open and clear balance between the various stakeholders whether they are customer/owners, employees, or suppliers. It is a truly win-win model without the destructive negotiation experienced by many other distributors. Using this foundation and a long established set of core corporate values and best practice the leader consistently reminds each stakeholder group of the key messages while continually focusing the organization on innovation and creativity. Innovation becomes a key strategic initiative for growth. It is exciting to see the accumulated economic power that canbe developed by a constantly evolving innovative business model and effective leadership combined with best practice utilization.

The Strategic Shift Model

A third example of leadership modeling is about managing a strategic shift from being a traditional box-moving wholesaler with limited growth prospects to a logistics powerhouse that provides significant value in the supply chain.

Strategy is said to be obvious once you’ve had it explained. It is also said that customers don’t see strategy, they only see execution. This model like the other examples platform a strong sense of curiosity about other companies and how to apply lessons learned in their own organizations. The answers needed for major change and organizational renewal lie outside the enterprise and effective leaders using this model are able to take prior “lessons learned” and bench marking to generate success.

Over ninety percent of the reasons companies fail can be traced to ineffective leadership. It’s not because of the economy and it is not because of the competition. It is a failure to learn. Effective leadership will overcome these obstacles, and they’ll be looking down the road at what needs to be done to grow the current model once the model is no longer ‘grow-able. Attention is paid to the lessons learned.

What is a High Impact Leader?

High impact leaders, regardless of their personal model demonstrate a curiosity that can not be satisfied without personal examination of what exactly were the causes of any failure to meet expectations. Non-performance is just not acceptable. Leadership is a key in every instance to creating an attitude, structuring an environment and developing employees as the very essence of success. Although individual leadership models differ in some specific approaches the common thread that links every model together is respect for the individual employee and the willingness and ability to listen with an understanding that embellishes their own leadership contribution to the organization. Best practices are a part of every successful leadership model but best practice alone will not create the level of success demonstrated by the high impact upper quartile performers. Effective leaders create a culture where employees can express themselves and fight for what is right; employees become responsibly fanatical about aligning their resources to add value to the customer and the company. That’s what high impact leadership is all about.

Author:  Dr Eric Johnson – http://www.ceostrategist.com

Team Leadership

One of the most difficult tasks that a company’s management team has is building effective communications within their departments. Effective communications with all levels of management as well as co-workers is essential to employee morale as well as increased productivity. The rationale behind that is that a lack of communication skills within the business leadership structure causes stress and tension among the workers. These feelings then develop into feelings of worthlessness and into feelings of inadequacy and inferiority.

Team leadership skills are essential to the creating a work environment that is both productive and loyal. If the management team leaders are tuned in to the needs and feelings of the workers on their team, the workers are going to care more about the productivity and quality of the work they are assigned to do. Communication involves everyone within a management team, both supervision and employees. A lack of communication in any area within the management team structure will break down the morale, and once moral has decreased for the team, they will no longer be interested in doing any more than the minimum that is expected. In a production environment this may not be as noticeable since there will always be those who don’t pay attention to anything that is going on around them, concentrating solely on their own work; however, in a sale environment, the results can be disastrous.

Unfortunately, some management styles or leadership characteristics prohibit the thought of developing a rapport with employees, let along communication, but be assured that this is the least productive management style and does nothing to help with the moral of the department or the efforts of the corporation in increasing productivity or sales volume. The manager who continually uses this approach without seeing the detrimental effects will certainly be on the losing end of the bonus list at year’s end when it’s too late to turn things around.

What is your management style? Do you tend to rule the department with an iron fist or do you effect communication between workers and supervision? Look at the statistics of your team leadership and see if there are areas needing improvement, and if so, decide if communication that is more effective is the answer to that improvement. The better a team communicates with management, the more equipped each is to understand the need for meeting and improving goals. If you are not communicating effectively with your team, now is the time to improve your communication skills.

Situational Leadership

Situational theory is one of the type of leadership theory, leadership model and leadership style that believes that different leadership style suit different situations. That is as per the situation, you should apply leadership style. Situation leadership theory assumes that the best action to be taken by a leader depends on the situation. The leader should also be able to adapt the style according to the situation. As the situation changes, you (leader) should also quickly change the leadership style. Depending on the situation, you (leader) should adopt leadership style.

Adopting a particular leadership style also depends on the relationship between the followers and the leader. The cooperation of the employees also plays a major role in deciding the type of leadership that should be in that organization. Factors such as mood and stress may affect the leader’s behaviour. When a situational leader is required to take a decision, he or she does not use only one preferred style. Situational leaders are effective and versatile. In our day-to-day life, we do this in dealing with different people. That is our leadership style is different for different people.  We avoid getting angry if a new employee makes a mistake. We also remind forgetful employees. This theory is not only applicable to people who are leaders or are holding leadership management positions but is also applicable to those people that lead others  at play, at work and at play.

Alternatively, smart people have often forgone formal situational leadership theory and sought out useful leadership books and learning material that will help them along the path to happiness and leadership.

A situational leadership model is also associated with situational leadership theory.

The basic idea of this model is that leadership flexibility is necessary for effective leadership. It also believes that different leadership approaches are required for different situations. This model defines four leadership styles. These styles are based on how much guidance or direction the leader can give to his or her followers.
Leadership Styles are as follows:

Directing Leaders.  Tasks and roles of the followers are defined by these leaders. Directing leaders also supervise their followers very closely. All decisions are taken and announced by the leader. Here the leader is more focused on completing the task than keeping a good relationship with the follower. Thus, communication is one way.

Coaching Leaders. Here the leader still defines the tasks of the followers but asks for any suggestions from the follower and tries to keep a good relationship with the follower Final decision is made by the leader and not the author but communication is two way.

Supporting. Here the leader frequently takes the help of followers for day-to-day decision. Decisions include processes and task allocation. The leader facilitates decisions but the final decision is taken by the follower.

Delegating Leaders. Here the leader is too involved in problem solving and taking decisions but the authority to take the final decision is with the follower. Followers also decide how and when the leader should be involved.

Depending on level of development of the employees, a particular style will be most effective. The leadership approach should also match to what is required or needed by the employees or followers.

Leadership Quotes

Quotes can be pretty influential on our life. Little did we know that just a few strings of words could really make a difference in our life. There are quotes on friendship, relationship, leadership, success and many others that can be pretty inspiring and impactful on us. But is it true that quotes on leadership can make you be a real leader?

Some people are still skeptical regarding the hidden potential of the leadership quotes. You are definitely not to be blamed if you are one of them.

Quotes actually serves more than just the purpose of inspiring someone. These quotes are actually very useful tool in offices and schools. Good quotes on leadership are the ones that are able to move you. Not all quotes can be inspiring as such it is important that you choose one that is able to leave an impact on you after you finish reading it.

As well as use leadership quotes, effective leaders have never been afraid to invest in themselves, and have often sought out useful leadership books and learning material that will help them along the path to happiness and leadership.

Quotes comes in all length and personally, I would prefer the ones that are short and to the point. Succinct and to the point – that should be your ideal quote.

But why use quotes? Well, quotes are actually great sources of inspiration when you are down in the dumps. Quotes on leadership can give back the life in you and spur up all determination to lead again.

Being a leader is not an easy task and that is why you will definitely got to have all it takes to be one. Quotes of leadership are just like your back up support that reminds you of who you are and what exactly do you do in life.

“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.” -Dwight David Eisenhower

Quotes such as this helps to remind you of certain traits or qualities that might have brushed past you while you were leading. Humor, decisiveness, care and concern towards fellow co-workers are just some of the attributes that these quotes posses to keep you reminded of your role and responsibility as the leader.

But the question is, does this quote really work as well as it should do? As aforementioned, not all quotes are worth remembering. Some quotes are just too long winded such that you lost the meaning halfway through reading it. Just choose one of your favorites and know it like it’s the back of your hand.

These quotes are just like positive affirmations that get registered into your brain if you keep on repeating it to yourself. This is a good thing of course as over time, you will realize that you will soon base your leadership on the set of leadership qualities that are said within the quote. As such, it will definitely be handy to know a few quotes.

You do not need to memorize the thick book of quotes just because you think that with more quotes you memorize, the better you will be. Unfortunately it does not work that way. Quotes are meant to the left as it is, and not as a bible that you should read and remember by hard. Quotes on leadership and management can make you be a real leader indeed.

Leadership Quotes:

Here is my list of current favorites, but feel free to let me know yours:-

“A business is a reflection of the skills and attitude of the people in the business…you can’t build a business – you build people. People build the business.” Spencer Hays – executive Chairman of the Board Forbes Magazine

“Let him who would move the world, first move himself.” Socrates

“Come to the edge…” “We might fall!” “Come to the edge!” “It’s too high!” “COME TO THE EDGE!” And they came, and he pushed…AND they flew. Christopher Logue, Poet

“Somehow I can’t believe that there are any heights that can’t be scaled by a man who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C’s. They are curiosity, confidence, courage and constancy, and the greatest of all is confidence. When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicit and unquestionable.” Walt Disney

“If it’s to be; it’s up to me.” Willie White

“It’s not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference“. Bear Bryant, American Football Coach

“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” Robert Browning, British Poet

“Everybody’s changing, and I don’t feel the same.” Keane, Rock band

“When you are thirsty, it’s too late to dig a well.” Japanese Proverb

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” Dale Carnegie

“Two minutes before I begin, I would rather be whipped than start; but two minutes before I finish, I would rather be shot than stop.” Dale Carnegie

“The most valuable of all talent is that of never using two words when one will do.” Samuel Jefferson

“Everyone lives by selling something.” Robert Louis Stephenson

“We don’t have great school, principally because we have good schools. We don’t have great government, principally because we have good government. Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is so easy to settle for a good life. The vast majority of companies never become great, precisely because the vast majority become quite good – and that is their main problem.” Jim Collins

“Do not worry if others do not understand you. Instead worry if you do not understand others.” Confucius

“I usually read the sport and business pages first – it’s all about human endeavour. The front pages are often about human failure.” Humphrey Walters, Coach

“Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision.” Muhammad Ali

“Whether you’re a sports coach or a business manager you depend on other people to achieve success. Even if you could work better or harder, or longer hours yourself, that wouldn’t do it. it has to be through getting the best out of others. ” David Whitaker.

“The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win”. Roger Bannister

“I forget what I was taught; I only remember what I’ve learnt.” Patrick White

“You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream the farther you get.” Michael Phelps

“Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eye; it is the swing in your gait; the grip of your hand; the irresistible surge of your will and your energy to execute your ideas. Enthusiasts are fighters. they have fortitude. they have staying qualities. Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress – with it there is accomplishment, without it there are only alibis.” Henry Ford

“Find out everything everyone else knows, and then begin where they left off.” Thomas Edison

“Your attitude determines your altitude”. Miles Hinton-Barber

“Every individual in an organisation is motivated by something different.” Rick Pitino

“He who knows others is learned. he who knows himself is wise.” Lao-tzu

“Feedback is the breakfast of champions”. Ken Blanchard

“Begin with the end in mind”. Dr Stephen Covey

“Adaptation is not allowing yourself to give in to circumstances; its allowing those circumstances to give you success.” Ken Blanchard

“I keep six honest serving men, (they taught me all I knew); their names are What and Why and When, and How and Where and Who.” Rudyard Kipling

“I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow.” Woodrow Wilson

“Think of an idea to change your world – and put it into action.” Kevin Spacey, Pay It Forward

“We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” Albert Einstein.

 See other favorites…

Leadership Coaching

All excellent leaders regularly invest in themselves. Leaders have often sought out useful leadership books and learning material that will help them along the path to happiness and leadership. These days, many e-courses tend to be rather disappointing, but I’m pleased to recommend one e-course that is still respected by leadership professionals such as myself: Best Year Yet®. It is an on-line goal orientated leadership programme, which provides you with core habits, a new way of thinking and an ability to act on the things you have planned for to make you successful. it can be a self-directed learning programme, or you can opt for the support of a dedicated ‘on-line’ or ‘face-to-face’ coach.

About Leadership Coaching

Leadership coaches are experienced individuals whom charge wealthy clients between $50 and $500 per hour for their services. Similar to consultants – leadership coaches will analyse your personal situation and problems, and us their own tools and experience to produce solutions.

Coaching and Leadership have always been intertwined due to the very personal nature of leadership, and how it is best taught through either self reflection and literature, or through having a guru.

Is having your own leadership coach all that its cracked up to be? Or are they just overpaid individuals who simply tell you to get up off your chair and speak louder?

Is It Worthwhile?

I personally believe that, like consultants – leadership coaches are worthwhile for medium to large organisations where even tiny incremental changes at the top can increase profits by 5 figures or more. Without this scale, leadership coaches can drain resources at perhaps a time when budgets are tight and cash flow is poor, so choosing the right leadership coach and right level of coaching intervention is very important.

Is There A Cheaper Alternative?

A fresh alternative to expensive traditional leadership coaching is to join the private membership club of one of the world-famous personal development gurus. You’re going to get the same quality of material and ideas, and in much higher volume, which however means that YOU have to decide which pieces of knowledge are relevant to your situation to act on. There are several exclusive communities out there, my favourite being Patric Chan’s Success Trace Private Membership Club. It’s just £3 for the first month and £10 GBP thereafter which means that a years membership to – quite frankly – an impressive resource, is available a a price lower than one hour with a face-to-face leadership coach.

Alternatively, you can sign up to a proven coaching programme ideally suited to the Leadership-expert™ global leadership audience. Full details are given here.

Conclusion

Leadership coaches are becoming more prevalent now that companies are becoming leadership orientated and aware that autocratic leadership is not always the most appropriate way of running a business. Looking at the other options in a thorough and methodical way is something a standard CEO is not trained for. This is where leadership coaches really come into play.

If, for now, you just want to opt for self-directed learning, then I encourage you to subscribe for free to access the wealth of leadership training material I have published on the site and in my monthly newsletter, with the primary objective of helping you to become an authentic and accomplished leader.

« Previous Page