| |
| |
|
Leadership Information |
|
|
|
10 Attributes of Effective Strategic Leaders!
Did you know that people who lead strategically resemble fine-tuned machines? By focusing on their strategies, leaders see a bigger picture, they understand the reasons why and recognize the worthiness of elusive opportunities. Effective leaders make strategic use of and add value to every challenge in four important ways: 1) Thinking through the lessons to be learned in each situation; 2) Leveraging the available sources, imports and exports of energy; 3) Boosting weak, diffused signals and messages of meaning; 4) Sharpening the leading edge of innovative efforts - their people. What are these attributes of strategic leaders? Let's describe those functions by comparing them with common mechanical devices: => Engine - converting one energy source into a greater or more focused source of energy; => Pump - concentrating and directing a source of energy in such a way as to provide a focal point for the user of that energy; => Processor - manipulation of energy in such a way as to make a value, logic or null based decision to channel that original energy source; => Channel - a directing of or being a conduit for energy without adding or enhancing that energy source in any appreciable way; => Amplifier - the expansion of energy by using methods of analysis in such a way so as to increase or strengthen the original energy source; => Filter - maintaining smooth, stable, unpolluted flows of energy through the cleansing, clarifying process of open and honest communications => Catalyst - that which encourages and facilitates speedy, significant course changes or positive actions => Transformer - the conversion of energy into another form so as to increase or enhance the magnitude of the original energy source; => Synthesizer - combining or composing the elements of an energy source in such a way as to create a new or greater whole form of energy; => Carburetor - mixing or combining a supply of energy in such a way as to facilitate a more powerful or effective use of that energy source. ------------------------------------------------------------ Making skilled use of leadership in these suggested roles could improve, energize and empower the success of your strategic planning process. By being mechanical you could become an instrument which enables energy flows. Remember energy can not be created and it can not be destroyed. However, energy can be re-directed, converted into new forms or released into the environment and become another form of energy. You could also think of using these mechanical processes to develop, train and nurture the leadership behaviors, skills and competencies of your people. "Dreams grow holy put in action;work grows fair through starry dreaming,But where each flows on unmingling,both are fruitless and in vain."- Adelaide Anne Procter Are you using your planning process to energize and electrify the commitment of your people to imaginatively exploit the opportunities of change? Leaders help transform dreams into holy action and energizing, empowering work products. Be that strategic leader who empowers others to be proud of and enjoy the fruits of their labors! Copyright © 2005, Mustard Seed Investments Inc.,All rights reserved. About the Author: Bill Thomas teaches leadership techniques using strategic,innovative, evolutionary-focused concepts - his 2-Volume,how-to Manual, "Strategic Organizational Leadership: Create& Deliver Fail-Proof, Breakthrough Plans", uses anenergizing process of group development to produce valueempowered results! "See it, Plan it, Lead it, Improve it!" http://www.leadership-toolkit.com/planning.html
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Why the Squirrel Kept Winning! I had the good fortune (or misfortune depending on your climate perspective) of living in Minnesota for ten years. The Summers were beautiful, Fall was spectacular with the changing colors of the leaves on trees and winter was,?well, damn cold. Your Ultimate Leadership Feedback Loop: Their Leadership Life on our planet flourishes through feedback. If life forms don't develop feedback loops and get good information about how well they are interacting with their world, the world eventually kills them. Follow My Leader - To Effect Change, Leaders Must Walk the Talk! A leader's roleIn any change project, a leader must wear many hats, however his/her role can be split into two key areas:1. Set the strategic direction of the change and;2. Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 3, Drifting From the Topic Although new ideas lead to creative solutions, they can be a challenge when they interrupt or distract the work on an issue.Approach 1: Question the relationship to topicWhen new ideas seem inappropriate, say:"That's an interesting point (or question). The Qualities of Skillful Leadership If you want to be a leader who attracts quality people, the key is to become a person of quality yourself. Leadership is the ability to attract someone to the gifts, skills, and opportunities you offer as an owner, as a manager, as a parent. Wanted: A Dictionary-Perfect Leader Answers are often before our very eyes or in front of our noses - particularly if we read the American Heritage Dictionary!Explore with me how some of the multitude of definitions for the word "leader" actually serve as a performance standard for leadership.Leaving behind the standard definition of "one who leads or guides", consider the second definition: "one who has power or influence". The Goals of Leadership Coaching and Partnerships Webster's Dictionary describes a "partner" as an ally or an association built around common interests and goals.A partnership denotes a joint venture, a relationship built on equal status (rather than inequality). Leadership Training: The Bit They Didn't Tell You About Changing! A willingness to change first is one of the major pre requisites for leaders!If the situation is deadlocked or blocked, they need to find the best opportunity, shift their personal perspective to accommodate it and take action from there. This is no matter how personally attached they are to their current position!Three sixty degree feedback is a great example. Make the Most of Your Mentoring Relationships Mentoring is one of the best ways to learn, to get feedback, and to take your career to the next level. Here are ten tips for making the most of your mentoring relationships. Top 25 Leadership Quotations Ponder what it takes to be a true leader with these practical quotes that will lead you to a more precise understanding of the secrets to successful leadership.. The Three Faces of Leadership This article was published in the Nov. 2003 edition of Hamilton, Ontario's BIZ Magazine under the title "Leadership's Triple Crown" LMWhat does it take to be the head of a small business, a department manager, or even a corporate CEO? The effective director isn't one persona but three: a Visionary, a Manager, and a Mentor/Coach. Celebrating Successes: The Power Of Compliments Years ago, when I was new in management circles, a veteran administrator decided to share his self-described secret of success. He said: You have to be careful, Bill. The Six Essential Leadership Attributes Leadership is the foundation for all organizations, whether corporate, nonprofit or government. Leadership is a high calling and responsibility, upon which all else the organization is or does rests. Building Teams and Teamwork A tight knit team is a group of competent individuals who care deeply about each other and are fiercely committed to their mission. They are highly motivated to combining their energy and expertise to achieve the common objective. The Death of Potential While reading my latest book on politics and economics, I came across a reference to a bible story called "Parable of the Talents'. In this story three servants are each give 'talents' (a monetary denomination used by the Greeks). On Being A Born Leader "Leaders are born, not made." Right? Let me ask you a question: do you believe that?I'll give you mine: I *don't* believe it. Heres The REAL Reason Bush Won: The Dark Night Of The Leadership Soul George Bush won the election because he was finally able to break out of the presidential bubble and give "leadership talks" on a consistent basis.But to do it, he had to face the dark night of his leadership soul. Leadership Webster's defines leadership as : "1. the office of position of a leader, 2. Develop a We Focus And Not a Me Focus ____________________________________________"There's only one thing more contagious than a good attitude - and that's a bad attitude?Most bad attitudes are the result of selfishness." -John Maxwell - The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork"A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle. Four Obstacles to Exceptional Leadership--Part 1 "Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them." -- Orison Swett MardenEvery day leaders are faced with challenges to expand their thinking, overcome obstacles and embrace potential growth.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2007 |
