Everyone always wants the glitter and allure of the outcome.
While the process is in plain sight – not a lot would have the courage, persistence and wisdom to navigate them. Yes – fate and fortune plays a role but odds are increased through persistence.
Over the years, I have had the privilege to be managed, observe and work closely with great leaders across multiple nationalities.
Sharing some of my reflections around the things they did that not a lot are willing to do consistently. In the end setting these leaders apart and not surprising to see the stellar career they have had and continue to carry forward.
Learnings:
1. Systems thinking and operating system – Focus on maximum impact outcomes and where collective good is preserved or nurtured.
2. Prepare for everything, your narratives, your brand, how you show up, etc. prepare for every meeting down to written down notes.
3. Sieve out the noise – with scale you can’t lean on GEMBAs only, the right questions and knowing who can move the conversation forward is where the speed and agility is generated.
4. Protect your team at all cost. At all cost means sowing the time and investing but also being balanced to know when to pull the right trigger. Ultimately the ball stops at the top – grow, nurture, encourage but be bold with the right calls when needed.
5. Show up – on the bad, good days. Show up and when needed be vulnerable and allow people support you as needed.
6. Clarity and simplicity bring speed – setting direction, inviting collaboration or nurturing a dream. Start simple and iterate the plans in line with the vision.
7. Boardrooms are down to outcomes – you want low hanging fruits running in the background for group morale but also positive reflection of the group.
8. Effective communication in writing and speaking would never go out of vogue. Find your style, hone it and use it to propel outcomes and inspire those around you.
9. Pick your battles – in complex and matrix organisations, surely things would get on our nerves. Key is finding the right horses to ride and while at it – do it with care and firmness and authenticity while you can. Good people value fairness, balanced view point and courage to provide a way forward to any problem close to them.
10. Always start with the why – as hierarchy or scope complexity comes, always easy to forget why we started. If ever in doubt- hold this close and remind everyone. High chances of course correcting but also simplifying the challenges ahead.
BJA | TDM 