Leadership is an Art

Leadership is more art than science.  Certainly there are certain “rules” to be followed but true guidance and direction evolves over time.  Among other traits, leaders must have vision, passion and strong core values.

·         Vision is the pattern or guide to making something!

·         Passion is the creative skill or ability!

·         Core values are the combination of several beliefs intertwined to make the whole stronger!

Most companies today are challenged because they have too many “chiefs” and not enough “Indians”.  They struggle because they do not have a vision.  The vision of a successful organization belongs to the leader, and the followers work with the leader to find 

the best way to get to it. Great visionary thinking utilizes relationships that are diversified enough so that each contributes to the overall welfare of the organization and builds on multiple

relationships within the organization fostering collaboration, modernization, and solidarity.

Vision as noted above is the guide that helps form a pattern and provides direction.  For example, a marketing department may have a clear vision for current promotion of a certain product.  They are branding the product and know what it will look like several years down the road.  If a problem were to present itself, their vision eases the way toward solving the issue.  When the vision is threatened by outside forces, they have the internal strength to defend it. 

Research shows that a common character trait that we look for in both our business colleagues as well as our leaders is honesty! However if we look to the traits NEEDED in leadership, VISION is noted in 88% of respondents. 

A leader benefits by helping the team understand how vision was created. “Walking the Talk” is inspiration for the team to want to walk with you while you create the goals and vision so we all meet our goals together.  Contrary to what you may expect, the best way to lead your teams into the future is to connect with them today.  Vision can only take hold when it is shared.  The only way that you can have “shared” vision is by listening to your team, showing appreciation and responding to their needs.

When developing your plan or goals for the future, ask yourself “where do you want to be in five years?

• Draw on the core values of the organization. Keep a strong hold on your core beliefs since they will be your guiding light in meeting both organization and community goals.
• Describe what you want to see in the future. Be precise and employ the knowledge and talents of the entire organization.
• Communicate specifics to each team/department.
• Be positive, motivating and inspiring.
• Be open and encouraging of change. Do not assume that the system will have the same framework as it does today. Be open to dramatic modifications to current organization, methodology, teaching techniques, facilities, etc.

In my career I was part of an organization that had inspiring leadership and I was part of the team that was responsible in coming up with our corporate mission statement.  This was one of the highlights in my professional life where together we were able to finalize a statement of purpose and function.

If done correctly, the long-term benefits can be substantial:

• Opens up new channels of business opportunity.
• Provides continuity and helps minimize “reactive” actions.
•  Identifies direction and purpose.
• Promotes interest and commitment.
• Supports and strengthens confidence.
• Partnering and collaborating
• Increased efficiencies and productivity.