Introduction
As a business Owner or CEO you should have an understanding of how the art of leadership has evolved and the significant benefits of following the points in the two articles below.
There are literally thousands of definitions of Business Leadership. There is no right answer. So, I have chosen two comprehensive definitions from highly respected sources that are presented in different formats, but after close review are similar, just presented in different ways.
1. Key Aspects of Leadership Performance
(Based on an article posted in Google in 2023)
Leadership performance encompasses the effectiveness with which leaders steer their teams towards achieving organisational objectives. It is typically evaluated through indicators such as productivity, employee engagement, and innovation.
Achieving Goals:
Leaders are evaluated based on their ability to facilitate performance improvements and consistently achieve designated targets within their teams or organisations.
Driving Productivity:
Exceptional leaders foster environments that support optimal productivity and operational efficiency.
Employee Engagement:
A critical measure of leadership effectiveness lies in the degree of employee engagement, where employees are actively involved in their roles and committed to organisational objectives.
Innovation:
It is essential for leaders to cultivate an innovative culture by encouraging new ideas and welcoming novel approaches.
Communication:
Clear and effective communication, both internally and externally, is fundamental for successful leadership.
Coaching and Mentoring:
Effective leaders provide consistent guidance, support, and opportunities for professional development to their team members.
Delegation:
The ability to assign tasks and responsibilities judiciously is vital for efficient team management.
Conflict Resolution:
Leaders play a key role in resolving conflicts professionally and maintaining cohesion within their teams.
Adaptability:
Successful leaders demonstrate the capacity to adjust to evolving circumstances and challenges.
Setting the Tone:
Leaders have the responsibility of establishing the organisation’s culture and overall working environment.
Leading by Example:
By modelling the desired values and behaviours, leaders set standards for their teams.
Building Trust:
Developing trust and rapport with team members is fundamental to fostering a constructive and productive workplace.
Measuring Leadership Performance:
Quantitative Metrics:
Metrics such as productivity rates, sales figures, project completion timelines, and employee turnover are standard measures of leadership performance.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
KPIs should be defined as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives for monitoring leadership effectiveness.
360-Degree Feedback:
Comprehensive assessments incorporating feedback from direct reports, peers, superiors, and clients provide valuable insights into leadership performance.
In summary
Leadership performance involves steering teams and individuals in pursuit of organisational objectives via a combination of skills, behaviours, and attitudes, ultimately promoting productivity, enhanced engagement, and innovation.
(Based on an article posted in Google in 2023)
2. Norwich University-Vermont USA
(In conjunction with Harvard Business Review)
The Most Important Leadership Competencies, According to Leaders Around the World,
Harvard Business Review
Clear Communication
Organizations with enduring legacies are often shaped by the presence of strong, capable leaders. Effective leadership entails directing personnel and organizational practices to foster growth, stability, and prosperity. Developing into an effective leader requires ongoing dedication to learning in areas such as ethics, interpersonal communication, management techniques, and organizational structures.
Communication stands out as a cornerstone of effective leadership and organizational success. Accomplished leaders prioritize honest and authentic dialogue and place equal value on listening to others.
For instance, a leader who communicates effectively actively considers employees’ perspectives and incorporates their feedback to advance company objectives, supporting both organizational and personal development.
In addition to clearly articulating plans and expectations internally, skilled leaders excel at external communications and public speaking. They tailor messages for specific audiences or customers, ensuring that both internal and external stakeholders remain informed and engaged.
Strong Ethics and Standards
To prevent behavioural challenges from impeding organisational progress, leaders must adhere to high ethical and moral standards in their daily conduct. They not only practice ethical leadership but also instil it throughout the organization. Leaders with strong ethics establish clear agendas, set standards, hold team members accountable, and model appropriate behaviour. Leading with integrity creates a positive influence across all organizational levels.
Organisation
Key organisational competencies include time management, mental and physical organisation—all contributing to a leader’s ability to focus on productive activities. Remaining mindful of broader goals enables leaders to distribute resources efficiently across teams and ensure tasks are completed effectively. Strong organisational skills are essential for meeting deadlines and driving sustained growth.
Expresses Expectations
Effective leadership relies upon clearly conveyed expectations for both themselves and their teams. When expectations are explicit, employees are more likely to perform their roles confidently and accurately. Clearly defined standards and results facilitate optimal performance and help employees realize their full potential.
Nurtures Growth
Employees seek opportunities to develop new skills and progress in their careers. Exceptional leaders invest in their team members’ professional growth, strengthening overall capabilities and technical proficiency. Supporting employee development demonstrates genuine care for team members and can foster future leaders capable of solving challenges independently.
Leaders nurture growth by providing opportunities for learning and supporting staff efforts. Building personal connections with team members often leads to highly effective teams capable of identifying and addressing issues proactively.
Flexible to Change
Adaptability is a critical trait in leadership, particularly given today’s dynamic business environments. Effective leaders remain open to change, swiftly adapting strategies to overcome challenges. By encouraging incremental steps towards new objectives and breaking down large initiatives, they help teams recognize opportunities and maintain consistent progress towards long-term goals. A flexible mindset enables leaders to appreciate innovative ideas, even those initially unfamiliar.
Creates Feeling of Togetherness
Employees tend to perform optimally when they feel valued and appreciated. Leaders are responsible for fostering a collaborative environment where individuals are comfortable and motivated to contribute. Building a sense of community may require patience and consistency, especially if some employees are hesitant to form close connections. Team-building initiatives and company events can promote camaraderie and cooperation.
Leaders who exemplify these qualities play a pivotal role in steering organizations towards success. Pursuing advanced education, such as a Master of Science in Leadership, can equip aspiring professionals with the necessary skills for competitive leadership positions.
Learn More
As the nation’s oldest private military college, Norwich University has a longstanding tradition of educational innovation. Its online programs offer practical curricula designed to empower students to positively impact their workplaces and communities.
Norwich University’s online Master of Science in Leadership program prepares students to lead teams, inspire progress, and advance their careers. The curriculum emphasizes immediate application of leadership concepts within professional contexts.
Sources:
The Most Important Leadership Competencies, According to Leaders Around the World, Harvard Business Review
Vermont University-USA