Leadership in Any Organization, Leadership

Leadership

In any organization, leadership is critical; it is the most important way that strategic goals and crucial decisions and aspects of any organization come together to form any sort of productive purpose. However, it is also clear that leadership and management are two very different things. In general, it seems that leaders are strategic, while managers are tactical. There are many types of leaders, and leadership theory -- whether that be from the leader who is charismatic and leads by personal charm and example, to those who are more behind the scenes but employ a style that empowers their colleagues and employees. Managers are given the authority by leaders to handle tactical things, but to fine tune exemplary leadership, the leader must think beyond the tactical and have a broader understanding of how the organization works and how it will be developed into their own vision.

To practice exemplary leadership, one must first have several goals in mind:

Identification of strategic goals and tactical ways to achieve them - Before one can adequately lead, one must have a good understanding of the goals that are necessary for any successful venture. This involves some research, some expertise, and the development of a sound and cogent planning process that is reasonable for both the fiscal and human resources one has within the organization.

Identification and development of staff and colleagues -- to effectively lead, one must understand the human resources that are necessary to attain one's goal. In effect, one must understand the level of expertise of staff and management, and if those skills are transferable into the strategic and tactical planning process. If they are not, then the effective leader will find ways to mitigate this by encouraging training and development, and providing the opportunity for staff to excel and actualize. Effectively, this is creating a win-win situation.

Use of stakeholders of all kinds to achieve goals -- One is never a leader in isolation. Even the greatest musical conductor cannot make music without an expert orchestra that is inspired; without a team to ensure the production is put on; and an audience to attend and fund the venture. There are a number of stakeholders within any organization -- employees, stockholders, customers, vendors, professionals (legal, accounting, banking) that have a vested interest in seeing the business succeed. Including and using those stakeholders based on their expertise is the mark of a good leader.

Understanding of the particular psychology of the organization with which one works -- People are different, organizations are unique. Regardless of the strategic direction and goal, a good leader takes the time to understand the particular demographics and psychographics of the organization and appeals to the strengths of the resources, and tries to minimize the weaknesses. Taking the time to do this often uncovers true gems that are being underutilized; potentially individuals who, with the proper training, can excel. Without taking the time to look upon these resources, the leader is leaving capital on the table.