Research shows that partnering across organizational boundaries is critical to a company’s success, yet there is a significant gap in leaders’ abilities to do so effectively. Many don’t realize there is a research-based, structured approach to effective collaboration. This process respects and leverages an organization’s diversity and results in innovation, increased engagement, commitment, trust, and respect.
21st Century leaders are constantly managing complexity in their industry and organization. Wise leaders recognize the Tyranny of the OR and embrace the Genius of the AND. We tend to waste energy and resources trying to solve problems that have no one right answer. Rather the issue at hand is a polarity….it is ongoing, has multiple right answers, and involves seemingly opposite, yet interdependent ideas. Common polarities include Centralization AND Decentralization, Stability AND Growth, Task AND Relationship, Control AND Empowerment. Polarity Management is both a mindset and concrete tool for identifying and effectively dealing with key polarities within an organization.
Constant and rapid change are the new normal for 21st-century leaders, yet difficulty changing and adapting is one of the primary reasons leaders derail. Whereas many leaders are adept at managing the technical side of change, they must remember leading people through change is also critical to success.
Most of today’s leaders recognize the essential need to influence others beyond the traditional chain of command. The changing nature of work demands leaders partner with a diverse population of stakeholders—internal and external to their own organization. Virtual teams are more prevalent than ever before. Leaders of all levels know they must rely on relational power rather than positional power to get things done.
Some decisions are simple, but in today’s environment many decisions are complex, involve conflicting and ambiguous data, and rely on the expertise of multiple stakeholders. Risks can be high and consequences compelling.
Leaders at all levels have the opportunity and responsibility to build commitment to the organization’s purpose and goals. Helping others see and understand their role in the organization’s success is key to that commitment. Therefore, developing and communicating a compelling and inspirational vision for the future is a key skill for today’s leaders.
Marketers understand the significance of a powerful brand. The most influential leaders also realize the importance of cultivating their personal brand. It represents what makes them unique and worth following. Choosing to be deliberate with your Leadership Brand allows you to broaden and deepen your impact, accelerate achievement of your most important goals, while being authentic and taking charge of your own career.
It goes without saying that creativity and innovation are essential for any organization to remain competitive in its marketplace, differentiate itself from the competition, and drive sustainable business results. It takes deliberate action on the part of leadership to build the type of organizational culture that fuels creativity and innovation. It requires science and art to succeed.