Leading People, Leading the Organisation

To elevate leadership capabilities towards leadership excellence, we must build upon the skills that allow us to excel at the individual and team levels. Of the four key elements that contribute to leadership excellence, we have already investigated two. In continuing this discussion we turn to the final two – Leading People, and Leading an Organisation.

Leading People

The best leaders know that to be effective, they need to earn the respect of those who follow them. Training for leadership excellence teaches us the importance of engaging in difficult conversations when leading teams. To truly reveal the best in those you lead, you must also understand the underlying motivations that drive them to succeed. In establishing these strong relationships you gain the ability to influence the actions and beliefs of others. Through building a connection between them and the vision you share with them, they become empowered to achieve team goals.

Harnessing the language of coaching is important for empowered leadership. Becoming a mentor to the people in your team, demonstrates your willingness to assist them in their senior leadership training and development. Giving them the freedom to use their talents autonomously leads to greater engagement and return on investment – by reducing potential skill gaps.

Leading the Organisation

Leading the organisation is truly the moment when the differences between leadership and authority is brought to light. The title of manager or CEO might give a person authority over others, but the following they gain is one of obligation, not by choice. A leadership excellence program helps participants to become the kinds of leaders who attract their following through inspiring confidence and trust. 

Training for leadership excellence at the organisational level requires the development of observation skills to diagnose workplace challenges and change. Successful change management must be led from the highest level in order to permeate through the whole company. Forward thinking leadership is meaningless unless you have the right systems in place and people to carry them out. Executive leadership training teaches participants to use their position to recognise challenges and implement solutions that bring about lasting change. 

Leadership development programs with a focus on reaching a personal connection with your people elevate the effectiveness of the leadership itself. Leaders who promote a culture of support, development, and high performance earn a reputation for success. The organisations they lead gain a competitive advantage and become an employer of choice for high potential talent. Building on the ability to lead the self and teams, true leadership excellence is a result of understanding what it takes to lead organisations and the people within them.

How do you balance authority and leadership?

About the Author: The Leadership Sphere

The Leadership Sphere helps small and medium businesses and larger organisations in Australia, in creating value through leadership. The Leadership Sphere provides a humanistic approach to the way it delivers leadership, performance and coaching services. We work with leaders and senior teams who need to gain increased clarity, build capability and ensure contribution at every level in the organisation, and enable a safe, inclusive and  high trust organisation.

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