Executive development must aim to shape new leaders

By Our Special Correspondent

The only way organizations can thrive and meet business demands is by having the right leaders. Tiny startups have grown into gigantic enterprises because of the leadership qualities shown by its executives. Many still believe that leadership is a built in quality for some. That may be the case more so in exception.

Today organizations are investing heavily in training their potential leaders so that the organization will continue to grow and be recognized by people both inside and outside as a truly preferred place to work. They want to transform the culture of organization where it is employee friendly, without hierarchy and also create wealth for all the stakeholders.

Executives are required to turn challenges into opportunities. They need to build highly effective teams and deliver in shorter turnaround times. They are required to constantly devise strategy to meet market demands and at the same time keep operational activities moving.

Executives now need a broad vision, quick decision making capabilities and talent to implement those decisions. Organizational experts Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard define leadership as “working with and through others to achieve objectives.” This aspect is what makes a leader stand out. While technology and skills may be available in plenty, it is the extra ordinary qualities that the leader exhibits makes today’s organization successful.

The command and control structure has no place now in the management of enterprises. The whole organization is a team. Executives need to be trained in managing people as they go up the management ladder.

The leadership qualities of the executives determine how the workforce relates to the organization. Inspiring leadership makes every employee feel that he/she is more part of the family rather than an organization.

While executive programmes may focus on developing new business strategy for global operations and ways to maximize return on investment, they must also help executives become leaders for the future.

Jack Welch often quotes these principles in reference to leadership:

· An informal atmosphere is a competitive advantage.

· Make sure everybody counts and everybody knows they count.

· True test of self-confidence is the courage to be open.

Rigid organizations cannot foster fresh ideas and innovation. Innovation comes when employees have ownership of their work. They would like then to experiment and bring new ideas to in to play.

When the last lathe machine worker is recognized and appreciated for his contribution, he feels being valued. Being respected gives him a sense of pride. This factor of pride makes him put in better efforts.

When leaders have self-confidence they can be open. Policies will be transparent. They will be able answer any question without hesitation on hiding facts. Transparent organizations command the respect of other stakeholders in society such as suppliers, customers and contractors.

Leaders may follow different styles, but leadership is mostly about behavior. There are several qualities that are required of a leader but the most significant are commitment, integrity, honesty, humility and courage.

When leadership qualities are developed in executives the organization becomes vibrant and people become more committed to their roles.

The executives must test what they have learnt in such programmes. They must put their knowledge to work. They must not get back to the old way of functioning. Unless they leverage their new gained insights to solve problems, new solutions will never be tested.

Managers must also take their team in to confidence. They must explain the approaches they have learn to solve problems or improve process. Together they must implement the new methods. Each member must be able to give feedback to the manager. The team must analyze the results and improve their working. This cooperation may in fact result in getting newer approaches to dealing with various issues that arise without notice.

Leaders always encourage others to learn, know and implement new ideas. They become facilitators for others to accomplish their goals. Such leaders inspire and motivate other members. Such organizations will prosper and become examples for others to follow.