There are times when a controlling style of leadership is appropriate. An emergency when the person with the knowledge and capacity to solve it takes charge is a good example. We understand that and do what we’re told by that person in the heat of the emergency – if we have confidence in the person who has taken charge.
A good business example is the turn-around of a business that is in serious trouble. Details are essential. The person in-charge knows what must be done and how to do it. A firm hand on the controls in such a business emergency has saved many companies. Then it’s time to grow and develop the business and the people in it.
There are five characteristics common to leaders who build self-managing teams and employees that get business results and grow successful companies. Such leaders share:
- A clear compelling vision and a driving passion to achieve it
- The ability to build and maintain relationships of trust
- The skill to engage people by building commitment over compliance and inspiring discretionary effort
- An architectural approach to building the organization and the culture in which good talented people want to participate
- Positive beliefs about people and situations
Leadership is the solution. The right perspective, skills and tools make it easier and more satisfying. I’m the Outsider and that’s what I think.
