Six 'must haves' for the new age executive
The
world of work is rapidly changing around us, ideas and technologies that were
once considered fads and ‘nice to haves’ – are now edging their way to the fore
front of how businesses grow - and for a large number of organisations,
defining the very culture and values of the working environment.
Traditional
business acumen and sound judgement will always play a large part in a person’s
ability to lead a work force. However with a new suite of demands from
customers, colleagues and competitors coming into play, what skills does the
new age executive really need in order to lead a company into the heart of the
21 century?
1. Visionary.
The
ability to form, articulate and lead a vision has always been essential;
however there is a sudden rise in talented employees choosing a company to work
for based on the purpose and goals of the business. Having a clear and
meaningful vision to buy into, will attract top talent to your organisation.
2. Presenter
The
concept of thought leadership is a relatively new thing, but the idea of other
businesses and customers wanting to work with you based on iconic people within
your organisation has always been real, we just have better platforms for
sharing it now. Having someone in your business deliver a TEDx talk or give a
keynote at a significant industry event is gold dust from a brand profile point
of view. So having the knowledge and personality to really champion your
company when the time comes is vital.
3. Communicator
Transparency,
trust and honesty; all words that are being used more and more frequently in
modern day business. The reason for this is simple, people who have context to their
work, do a better job. They can make better decisions about the direction of
their work and they will be more motivated, as they can attach the task to the
result. A leader who can create open discussion around work tasks, listen to
feedback from employees and provide useful information in return – will provide
their staff with greater context and meaning, and will get better results for
it.
4. Technologist
If
you don’t think you need some level of technical knowledge or appreciation
these days, you’re on the way out. I got tired of IT managers proudly telling
me ‘they weren’t technical’ a long time ago. Having an understanding of the
technology your business is built on, whether it be the apps and software you
sell to your customers, or the websites and social networks you use to acquire
90% of your new business… you must know how to engage in those conversations.
In
addition to that you must also be able to apply some competent level of design
and creativity. User/customer experience now spreads across all platforms;
on-line, off-line and face-to-face. Knowing the importance of creating a
delightful and consistence experience across all three is a very important
feature of your business.
5. Peer
Nobody
wants to work for a slave driver, nor do they want to look up at their managers
as if they are kings and queens, and not to be interrupted.
Coming
back to the idea of honesty among colleagues and customers, your staff want to
know who you are, and better yet they want to know that you know who they are!
Feeling connected to your business and removing that fear of hierarchy is the
secret ingredient to healthier, happier working cultures. Work will only ever
be as good as the relationships of the people doing it.
6. Champion
Your
company must have tangible values that steer the behaviour of its staff.
Knowing what makes a happy customer or an engaged employee, then championing
the behaviours that got you there is the winning ticket.
Importantly,
in order for your values and behaviours to be genuine and effective, the
leaders of a business must buy in to them and live by them. As soon a culture
of double standards begins to emerge, good staff start leaving. So don’t just
promote the values of the business but shine a light on the people and the
outcomes that do well by them, and empower everyone to call each other out when
they are ignored… even if it is the CEO!
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