The need for effective leadership in business has never been more in demand in the history of commerce. The dynamic conditions that exist in this technology driven, disruptive business environment are dramatic in comparison to times past. With organizations under constant pressure to cut costs, develop new products, become more efficient and improve quality just to remain competitive, effective leadership at all levels is crucial to survival and success.
Much debate and discussion abounds over what constitutes a leader, what qualities one must possess and what style of leadership is most effective. Leadership can be hard to define and it means different things to different people. Leaders set direction and help others do the right thing to achieve the company’s vision. While leaders manage delivery of the vision and facilitate and inspire others to achieve a shared objective, leadership is not management. People are led, processes are managed. As French writer, poet, aristocrat, journalist, and pioneering aviator opined, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”
A well led organization’s values should be clearly defined and are the basis for a company’s culture. Today, more than ever, “Leaders must lean on the values of the organization to drive performance, especially during times of change. Values should be the bedrock of why the company exists, how it makes decisions and its true purpose.” Metrics and milestones are still important in measuring performance, but values are at the core of what and how those measures are achieved.
Values-based leaders communicate organizational values to employees by connecting company goals to employees’ personal values. Such leaders focus on the organization’s core beliefs to facilitate employees’ belief in the sincerity and depth of the organization’s mission. Leadership must lead with overt confidence and by example, communicating consistently the vision for the future. “It’s hard to lead a cavalry charge if you think you look funny on a horse,” said Adlai E. Stevenson II.
Today’s best companies focus on a realistic and compelling vision and are led by those who demonstrate an ability to inspire, motivate, coach and deliver on achieving the vision. As leadership expert Warren Bennis once stated, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
Ultimately a leader will be judged on the ability to maximize the potential and performance of an organization’s human resources, who together successfully create value and sustainability into the future.
For information about how Junction Creative Solutions’ experienced team of business development experts can help you lead your organization to achieving an inspiring vision, contact info@junction-creative.com.