The ability to manage the affairs of an organization is paramount. However, it is becoming increasingly rare to find an inspiring and gifted leader who possesses the following five abilities:
14 Leaders Managers
Ability to create a shared vision for the organization. The “vision” must be clear, compelling and properly articulated. The staff must buy into the leader’s vision and have passion for it.
Ability to build the right team. Because leaders do not have the time and ability to execute the vision, it is essential that the right team is in place. They must also be armed with tools to implement the vision.
The relationship between leaders and managers is essential. The energy created by proper alignment has tremendous positive impact on personal growth and organizational achievement.
Felix has a thoughtful, consistent way of making sure that each person is accountable. Oscar is the value creator – always looking to tweak the vision of the organization. Put simply, Felix is “running a tight ship”, while Oscar “inspires the crew”.
On those rare occasions when Oscar and Felix get on each other’s turf, the firm is paralyzed. However, the paralysis is short lived because the staff of Discovery Point helps Oscar and Felix focus on their unique skill sets. The staff understands and appreciates both individual’s strengths and weaknesses. They value the ability of Felix to put order and stability into the corporate culture yet understands that he is not gifted at instigating change and vision for the future. On the other hand, the staff embraces Oscar’s unique ability to stir emotions, raise expectations, explore the unknown and take the firm into unchartered waters.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott Addis is the President and CEO of The Addis Group and Addis Intellectual Capital, LLC (AIC). AIC is a coaching and consulting company whose purpose is to transform the process that insurance agents, brokers, and carriers use when working with their clients. Scott is a recognized industry leader who has been awarded the Inc Magazine “Entrepreneur of the Year” award as the “25 Most Innovative Agents in America”. To learn more about the content of this article, you may contact Scott at saddis@beyondinsurance.com or 610-945-1019 or go to www.beyondinsurance.com.
Ability for the leader to get out of the way. The leader’s vision creates energy, enthusiasm and passion. On occasion, however, the vision gets diluted because the leader gets in the way of those who execute. A gifted leader knows when to get out of the way to let his or her team design, build and execute.
Ability to value people. Great leaders understand their gifts and recognize their limitations. They understand the importance of recognizing the accomplishments and talents of those who support their visions. The ability to value others is an essential ingredient of the successful leader.
Ability to ride the wave of chaos. People don’t like change. They feel comfortable with the status quo. The leader’s challenge is to establish a culture which embraces innovation – where the staff’s energy and excitement about the future vision overshadow nervousness and anxiety.
Are you a Manager or a Leader? Your ability to understand the difference will have a profound impact upon your career and those who support you.