Many books have been written about leadership and different leadership
models. Each model has a list of competencies that experts say are required to achieve excellence in the different models.
The leadership model that organizations adopt depends upon; the type of organization and their mission,
(the reason they are in business), their vision (where they want to be and what they intend to be), and most of all, their
values (the guiding principles of how they fulfill their mission to get to where they want to be).
All organizations,
whether they are public companies, government agencies, or non-profit agencies, have a unique combination of missions and
values. Each organization has their own definition of leadership and they develop their unique list of competencies required
for their leaders. Therefore, there are as many different types of leadership models and leaders as there are organizations.
With all leadership models, although they differ greatly, there are several competencies that are consistent
and considered essential elements of leadership. Some have to do with leading people, as a fundamental function of any leader
is to lead employees and stakeholders to accomplish their goals. These
are four criteria that are consistently included in leadership models.A.A leader must have a clear understanding of who they are; their strengths, weaknesses, how they interact with others,
and their leadership style. B.A leader
must be able to effectively communicate their vision and expectations to all stakeholders. If people don't have a clear idea
of where they are headed, and what the end result should be, they will be lost. C.Build trust. A leader must have strong relationships with those they are leading so that they
will follow confidently. Even when times are difficult and tough things need to be done, if people trust in their leader and
their decisions, they will give their all. D.Create
and environment where employees can succeed. For an employee to do their best, they must be able to develop their
professional and personal talents. Employees who are challenged, encouraged, and allowed to use their talents and do
their best are highly productive. It's an investment that comes back to the company.Creative Connections has been involved in a number of leadership academies where we help participants
gain a full understanding of who they are and teach these four criteria to create high-performing individuals and teams. Contact
Marianne Badar Ohman if you would like to talkabout how I can help you and your leaders
become exceptional in these areas.
