Leaders, managers and contributors; we all play our part in growing organisations.
Though the truth is, do, we have the skills now needed in a changing disruptive economy, to be successful in the various roles we all play in our teams and departments?
Possibly; with a bit of adaptation.
It’s interesting that Stephen Covey published his New York Times Best Seller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People thirty years ago this year.
This ground-breaking book has now sold over 25 million copies, and many of the principles he shared then, are still valid today.
I’m sure; it hasn’t passed you by that the world has changed over the last thirty years since the first edition of his book was published in 1989.
Only last week I watched an interview with Tim Berners-Lee who is credited with the invention of the World Wide Web.
He commented that; “The Web as I envisaged it, we have not seen it yet. The future is still so much bigger than the past.”
Fascinating: He also mentioned that as human beings experiencing all this possibility, we need to be prepared to change too.
It’s a conversation I have all the time with the leaders I coach and the teams I train.
So, when it comes to being successful today what are the key practical skills to embody?
Understand Strategically What Business Is About
Many managers and leaders today work hard and often in a stressful environment. Their days are driven by tactical implementation and ensuring the smooth operational function of their department. However high performers understand the importance of being a strategic manager too.
A strategic manager has a ‘big picture’ view of the business, and they aren’t afraid to challenge the ‘way it’s always done’.
Manage Their Career and Learning
There is a famous quote by William H Johnsen the author that goes along the lines of; “If it’s to be it’s up to me”.
A great motto to live by and one for the Millennials reading this to embrace. Though organisations will provide development to their employees, it’s critical to be in the driving seat yourself.
Great leaders are always learning; they have to; otherwise, they will fall behind. There is no excuse not to control and shape your learning.
I suspect I am preaching to the converted as you are here reading the ZestFor Blog. However remember, Amazon has every conceivable success book you could ever read in a lifetime and all at the click of a button too.
Also, contrary to public opinion YouTube isn’t just the home of music and crazy cat videos. Education videos are viewed twice as often as those found in the Pets & Animals category.
Here is an interesting statistic for you. In 2004 Sal Khan recorded a video to help his young cousin with his maths homework. His method morphed into a non-profit that’s now landed millions in grants from the Gates Foundation and Google.
I rest my case there is no excuse for self-directed learning.
Great Communicators Who Understand Their Self and Others
Successful people today excel at communication and understanding others: Period.
Our most popular programmes at ZestFor centre around communication and Insights Discovery and impactful influencing are foundational elements for many organisations.
I know I am stating the obvious here and, if you can’t communicate well, you will struggle to lead your team.
Which leads me onto the next behaviour.
They Are Clear On The Job That Needs To Be Done
Mistakes often occur because of ambiguity. Our maps and filters can distort communication. Therefore, it is critical to question, listen and explore the expectations individuals have of the task in hand.
A classic phrase/question I suggest people use is to ask what an individual’s understanding of what is going to happen next, when and by whom.
Establishing a clear brief that is understood by everyone involved is key.
They Control Their Workload and Negotiate For Success
I know this might be easier said than done for some of you reading this and you have to take control. Sometimes that might mean;
- Saying no.
- Managing your diary differently.
- Delegating.
- Deprioritising.
Or having the skills to negotiate so that the best outcomes happen for everyone concerned not only department X who want’s the project you are delivering.
Ready to change some of your behaviours?
Until next time,
Julia
Can We Help?
ZestFor specialises in developing Training programmes and resources scientifically tailored for technical markets – including Pharmaceutical, IT, and Life Sciences.
Our blend of in-classroom, online, and virtual live-stream delivery methods will engage and assure even the most introverted team members from the first meeting – whether face-to-face or virtually. To have a brief chat call us on 0845 548 0833. Alternatively, email our team here.
