The Strategic Exchange – The Organizational Change Consultant Report, October 2006
Leadership
"Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence." – Bernard Montgomery, British Field marshal This definition of leadership is further explained in the words of Bill Gore of W L Gore & Associates when he said, leadership is a verb not a noun." or "Leadership is defined by what you do, not who you are," or "Leaders are those whom others follow."
By these definitions, we can see that leadership does not resonate in the position a person occupies, or the title he bears. Leaders have to demonstrate their action for everyone to see. The position of leadership is conferred on a person by his followers. It has to be recognized and be ratified by others. Without the validation of others you are not leading. Therefore leadership has to be earned through your Action.
In order to get people to support a common purpose , leaders must define this purpose. They must have a vision of where they want to take the organization. The vision must have room for the people to use their imagination and innovative abilities and skills. They must have the ability to communicate this vision effectively to the people. What they say must arouse passion and enthusiasm that command action to support the vision. John Maxwell, a renowned author and motivational speaker said, "every time you speak to people, give them something to feel, something to remember and something to do."
Leaders have to demonstrate an unmovable commitment to the vision. Commitment is going against all opposition and press toward the goal. People will not follow an uncommitted leader. People need to see your commitment in the fine details of your work, in your diligence when executing your responsibility, in living your words day by day and only that will have far reaching impact on them.
People do not look at the vision they look at the leader. If they believe the leader ,then, they will buy into the vision. It influences them to take action that will further the cause for which you stand.
Leaders must have the courage to take tough decisions. These situations come at least once in the tenure of a leader. After he consults with people , he must be brave to act even if it means that he is no longer popular. Martin Luther King Jr. - Civil rights leader said it clearly, "the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Great leaders like Ronald Reagan– former President of the United States of America believed that the US Air Controllers were wrong and he took the decision to fire them. Also Margaret Thatcher–former Prime Minister of Great Britain, took the unpopular decision to reduce the government's deficit and to privatize many state–owned businesses. A leader cannot let fear limits him. Even though he fears the outcome of some of his decisions, he takes action nevertheless.
Leaders must have character that sustains them through rough times. It is those principles and values that they believe in and live by, define who they are and give them credibility among their people. Your action must match with your principles and values. People trust and follow leaders with integrity. The choices you make will show your character – whether you are honest in your dealings with people or you make compromises that question your character.
Leaders should show compassion to and build relationship with their people. They should Endeavour to understand human nature and act accordingly. You should recognize that people will sometimes make mistakes, they have fears and desires, they have problems that will affect their ability to perform effectively and efficiently, they want to be successful , and they want to be encouraged and be recognized for their efforts. Understand the people, connect with them and see them as people and not as objects. Henry Gruland, President and CEO of Definitive Computer Services once said" "being a leader is more than just wanting to lead. Leaders have empathy for others and a keen ability to find the best in people...not the worst...by truly caring for others."
Leaders must help to develop their employees beyond what they are doing. It means breaking down barriers to help get the job done, in the best possible way. They should provide employees with all the resources, training and coaching they need. Allow them to participate in the problems and come up with possible solutions. Give them the authority to make decisions and to take calculated risks without being fearful of punishment. Help to develop their creativity and motivate them to do a good job.
Cultivate the kind of environment that will help your employees to emerge as leaders. Help to unleash the potentials that will fuel the vision of the organisation and help it to achieve its goals. Leaders, recognise your employees' value and contribution to the organisation, and let them know that they are doing a good Job.
It is a pleasure to hear from you and I look forward to answering more of your questions.
Sharon Ho–Sang
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