What characterises effective leadership in the middle to senior levels in Organisation

Based on research findings by Joan Bragar

The 3 primary qualities of leadership needed for steering organisations through periods of turbulence and uncertainty:
1. Taking personal responsibility for initiating change
2. Creating a vision and strategy for the organisation
3. Trusting and empowering others

Important conclusions from the research findings:

• Without leadership, organisations falter in times of change


• Leadership is critical from the boardroom to the shop floor


• Positions and title bear no relationship to leadership performance


• Leadership involve interdependence more than individualism


• Leaders inspire others to take on leadership tasks


• Outstanding management skills are an essential component of leadership


• Leadership is contextual. Effective leadership is grounded in an extensive knowledge of business environment, and intimate understanding of the industry, company, and work group, and strong sense of organisation's strategy, culture and values.


• Practical experience in conducting leadership training


• Leadership is not a style, it is action

The study pinpointed the 20 practices in 4 distinct areas which correlated most highly with leadership performance and that could be taught most effectively, and they were tested for relevance and impact with individuals in over 100 large companies

INTERPRETING

The first set of actions helps leaders interpret the conditions, internal and external, to their organisation, that affect them and their workgroup. These practice include:

1. Seeking information from as many sources as possible


2. Knowing how your own work supports the organisation's overall strategy


3. Analysing how well the members of the group work together


4. Knowing the capabilities and motivations of the individuals in the workgroup


5. Knowing your own capabilities and motivations

SHAPING

The next group of practices enables leaders to shape a vision and strategy to give meaning to the group work:

1. Involving the right people in developing the workgroup's strategy


2. Standing up for what is important


3. Adjusting plans and actions as necessary in turbulent situations


4. Communicating the strategy of the organisation as a whole


5. Creating a positive picture of the future of the workgroup

MOBILISING

Leaders use these practices to mobilise individuals with ideas, skills and values around a common mission by:

1. Communicating clearly the results expected from others


2. Appealing to people's hearts and minds to lead them in a new direction


3. Demonstrating care for the members of the workgroup


4. Demonstrating confidence in the abilities of others


5. Letting people know how they are progressing towards the group goals

INSPIRING

1. Promoting the development of people's talent


2. Recognising the contributions of others


3. Enabling others to feel and act like leaders


4. Stimulating the thinking of others


5. Building enthusiasm about projects and assignments

Note:

Joan Bragar is the Founder and Principal of Boston-based workplace consulting and leadership coaching practice.