According to the CIM and other respected experts the data related to managers and leaders in the UK is rather dismal. The truth is there is a similar pattern present across the globe.
Did you know that four out of five British bosses are ‘accidental managers’ who have never been trained? This is potentially costing the British economy approaching £84bn each year.
Productivity at the end of 2016, per new data released earlier this month, has been blamed on poor management and leadership.
Ann Francke, Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute said ‘we often overlook the biggest boost to productivity: better bosses.
Nothing new here is there?
Therefore, how do we take personal ownership and become a leader in our changing world. Google this topic and you will find list upon list however in truth it starts with 3 straightforward strategies that are the foundational platform of any great leader.
1. Always be learning.
We are in the middle of consistent global change. What we learnt when we graduated probably isn’t serving us in the same way.
If we aren’t learning and growing we are retracting, because others will step up and learn more to put them in a position where they can add even more value in their role; therefore, overtaking us.
Look at Bill Gates, Warren Buffet or Oprah Winfrey and it is easy to spot their learning culture.
In a recent interview you can read here. Bill Gates talked through several key benefits of learning. It is well worth a read.
This whole concept was brought home to me when I took my daughter to see the movie Hidden Figures which is based on a ‘true story’ of three African American mathematicians at NASA during the early 1960’s. It’s also a lesson on apartheid that is well worth sharing with our children.
One of the characters, Dorothy Vaughn discovered she was about to be replaced by an IBM computer! However, somebody needed to run and programme it. Therefore, she set about learning Fortran a computer language. Her approach then led to her being the first black female supervisor in NASA a huge achievement. In a then racially charged America.
Learning makes a difference.
2. Become an exceptional communicator.
My experience over many years is that great leaders are also great communicators. Communication I appreciate is a huge topic and therefore worthy of study.
Communication is about more than what you say, it’s about asking questions and listening to what people are really saying to you whilst paying attention to their nonverbal clues.
A good leader will consistently work on their skill in this area. They appreciate that nonverbal communication can speak louder than the words people speak.
Consequently, they listen with their eyes and ears, and pay attention to people’s posture, hand movements, and eye contact because these also send very powerful messages.
People who have attended our insights training are surprised at how different communication styles are linked to different Insights profiles.
Consequently, how understanding this piece of the puzzle makes a huge difference in how they can then relate to colleagues at work.
3. Be an authentic leader.
Authentic leadership is a much talked about topic but what exactly does it mean?
I like this definition from Wikipedia.
“Authentic leadership is an approach to leadership that emphasises building the leader’s legitimacy through honest relationships with followers which value their input and are built on an ethical foundation.
Generally, authentic leaders are positive people with truthful self-concepts who promote openness. By building trust and generating enthusiastic support from their subordinates, authentic leaders are able to improve individual and team performance”
Here’s why I like this definition.
It talks about honest and open relationships and truthful self-concepts. When a leader is at ease with who they are and where they are heading it’s easier to be themselves. To be open and honest
without fear of retribution.
They are not into playing games and being one person at work and another at home, they are the same person. This is when they display true authenticity.
We have talked a lot about being an influential leader and ‘exerting influence’ is often regarded as the primary skill of an authentic leader.
My own experience over the last few years working with different organisations across the globe is that authenticity is also embodied by demonstrating; insight, initiative, integrity, impact and exerting influence.
A great leader does what he or she says. There is follow through with honesty in communication that creates the engaged, happy and productive workforce we all crave.
Ready to get going?
Until next time
Julia
