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Action Centered Leadership
One responsibility of leaders is to turn goals into reality. This may be accomplished by removing obstacles, facing challenges, and identifying resources needed to move forward. Central to leadership is a clear understanding of and focus on achieving well-defined, measurable goals.
The most dynamic leaders can inspire others to greater productivity and organisational loyalty.
The successful leader accepts responsibility for:
- TASK: Identifying the goals to be accomplished and accomplishing the TASKS
- TEAM: Managing and Developing the TEAM
- INDIVIDUAL: Managing the essential component of each team - The INDIVIDUAL
Whilst having command of these three elements is essential to the success of any leader, the effective leader also understands that his/her ability to use them in different measures; according to the need and ambitions of the team and the size of the task to be undertaken is very important.
When the Team works well and succeeds in its tasks, this positively affects individual team members. Commitment and responsibility to the team is enhanced, and team members feel encouraged about their achievements within the group environment. The leader plays a vital role, assisting the team to develop its own standards and discipline.
Strong leaders recognise the need for open communication and the establishment of mutual trust. This, in turn, leads to high group morale. A weak leader engenders distrust, leading to splintering and friction within the group. In the end, productivity suffers.
Like a synchronised swimming team, the highly effective leader understands that sub-par functioning on the part of any individual within the team causes all team members to fall short of their aim.
Considerations for a Goal-Oriented Action Plan
- Have a vision and purpose for the team which is enticing and can be clearly communicated
- Plan it - Identify timelines, potential challenges as well as resources to guarantee success
- Communicate it - Clarify team roles and responsibilities.
- Control it - Establish standards and ensure that these are maintained throughout
- Support it - Develop improvement strategies for each team member, encourage and recognise contributions.
- Measure it - Monitor progress and address current issues with action plans as they occur, and conduct a final performance evaluation
Henry Kissinger notes "the task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been." The proper balance of leadership and management skills, combined with focus on Task, Team, and The Individual is a proven, action-centered formula that can bring immense success to your organisation.
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© inemmo Limited 2010 Joy Maitland MIBC FCMI FinstLM is a director of inemmo Business Coaching and Consulting