In his article Are You A Leader Or A Follower?, Travis Bradberry asks some excellent questions which largely help you understand whether you have the profile of a real leader. Like Bradberry says “Leadership and followership are mindsets”, it is true, either you are born a leader or you are not.
So have a look at the article – it is the moment of truth.
The article is posted on Forbes.
In your organization, do you have a successor for people having a key role, such as the CEO?
In his article “Who are your street sweepers? Succession planning and leadership development”, published by the Australian Institute of Management, David Reynolds reminds of the importance of including these two perspectives into the overall business strategy of a company.
In addition to develop a leadership program for the company, of utmost importance are the “pivot points”, i.e., persons who play key roles in the success of the organization and whom should be enabled to develop skills that will help them to move forward and ensure – and be a part of – the company’s future.
Conflicts are inevitable in a work place where people spend a lot of time together. Inevitable yes, but as explained by Executive Coaches Joan Bunashe and Lindsay Broder in their article How Leaders Can Best Manage Conflict Within Their Teams, there are simple ways to reduce magnitude and possible damages. Here are some tips:
Even though leadership expert Roselinde Torres’s Ted Talk dates back to 2013, the question she deals with is hot topic:
What makes a great leader today?
Roselinde Torres has spent 25 years studying the question, observing more than 4’000 companies. She comes to the conclusion that there are three questions to be posed :
By observing yourself – your whereabouts and your environment – and then analyze it can help you detect upcoming shifts and important changes.
Your network is important. If you are capable of collaborating with people that think and act fundamentally differently than you, together you can more easily identify new patterns and disruptive trends.
Finally, do you dare get out of comfortable and familiar practice ? Chose new paths, even if it implies taking risks?
Anticipating new trends, socializing and working with people with other backgrounds and perceptions than you allow you to stay ahead and prepare for the future rather than undergo it.
Leaders of the 21st-century see around corners and are already prepared for whatever tomorrow will bring.
In her article “Disruptive Ideas”, posted on Thinkers50, the author, Professor Vlatka Hlupic, writes about business models and the necessity of progress.
Indeed, disruptive innovation also applies to management, which must evolve to become less rigid, control-based and horizontal, to be more flexible and human. One of today’s major challenges for companies is to see its employees as being part of the team and not as an emotional-lacking asset. Through new ways of thinking – that is to cease focusing on pure financial profit – a company can be more innovative, create more value and improve business performance.
Professor Hlupic states that “the organization is understood as being more like a living organism than a machine”.
The article How to Keep Employees Happy in the Age of Longer Workweeks, published on American Express Open Forum brings up an important subject. The one of increasing working hours. The feeling that we are spending more and more time at work is confirmed by a recent study made by EY. Prevent negative effects such as demotivation and burn out has become a major challenge.
The author of the article, Julie Bawden Davis, gives concrete advice on how to keep a healthy work-life balance when working overtime has become a necessity to stay competitive in the market.
Managers, especially the business owner, tend to work long hours. Employees might think that the same is expected from them – even in times when actually not necessary. This can result in demotivation and a negative impact on productivity. Make sure that team members know exactly what is expected from them as regards working hours.
Hold debriefing meetings once a week to analyze and discuss stress increasing situations and how to avoid them.
Implementing flexibility is an appreciated method. As an employee, it is gold worth knowing that when the workflow lightens, you can take an afternoon off to spend with your kids.
Last, make sure employees know that you are aware of their working hard. Show your gratitude, if possible money-wise with a bonus. It is equally important to thank people individually. Take the time to stop by their office to say a nice, encouraging word.
