|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know that people who lead strategically resemble fine-tuned machines? By focusing on their strategies, leaders see a bigger picture, they understand the reasons why and recognize the worthiness of elusive opportunities.
Effective leaders make strategic use of and add value to every challenge in four important ways:
1) Thinking through the lessons to be learned in each situation;
2) Leveraging the available sources, imports and exports of energy;
3) Boosting weak, diffused signals and messages of meaning;
4) Sharpening the leading edge of innovative efforts - their people.
What are these attributes of strategic leaders? Let's describe those functions by comparing them with common mechanical devices:
=> Engine - converting one energy source into a greater or more focused source of energy;
=> Pump - concentrating and directing a source of energy in such a way as to provide a focal point for the user of that energy;
=> Processor - manipulation of energy in such a way as to make a value, logic or null based decision to channel that original energy source;
=> Channel - a directing of or being a conduit for energy without adding or enhancing that energy source in any appreciable way;
=> Amplifier - the expansion of energy by using methods of analysis in such a way so as to increase or strengthen the original energy source;
=> Filter - maintaining smooth, stable, unpolluted flows of energy through the cleansing, clarifying process of open and honest communications
=> Catalyst - that which encourages and facilitates speedy, significant course changes or positive actions
=> Transformer - the conversion of energy into another form so as to increase or enhance the magnitude of the original energy source;
=> Synthesizer - combining or composing the elements of an energy source in such a way as to create a new or greater whole form of energy;
=> Carburetor - mixing or combining a supply of energy in such a way as to facilitate a more powerful or effective use of that energy source.
------------------------------------------------------------
Making skilled use of leadership in these suggested roles could improve, energize and empower the success of your strategic planning process. By being mechanical you could become an instrument which enables energy flows.
Remember energy can not be created and it can not be destroyed. However, energy can be re-directed, converted into new forms or released into the environment and become another form of energy.
You could also think of using these mechanical processes to develop, train and nurture the leadership behaviors, skills and competencies of your people.
"Dreams grow holy put in action; work grows fair through starry dreaming, But where each flows on unmingling, both are fruitless and in vain." - Adelaide Anne Procter
Are you using your planning process to energize and electrify the commitment of your people to imaginatively exploit the opportunities of change? Leaders help transform dreams into holy action and energizing, empowering work products.
Be that strategic leader who empowers others to be proud of and enjoy the fruits of their labors!
Copyright © 2005, Mustard Seed Investments Inc., All rights reserved.
About the Author:
Bill Thomas teaches leadership techniques using strategic, innovative, evolutionary-focused concepts - his 2-Volume, how-to Manual, "Strategic Organizational Leadership: Create & Deliver Fail-Proof, Breakthrough Plans", uses an energizing process of group development to produce value empowered results! "See it, Plan it, Lead it, Improve it!"
http://www.leadership-toolkit.com/planning .html
There is too much learning out there that we earn... Read More
"You do not merely want to be considered just the... Read More
I was invited to do a Leadership workshop at a... Read More
CHAPTER 1 ************ VALUEThose qualities regarded by a person or... Read More
Although new ideas lead to creative solutions, they can be... Read More
How does one go about getting deep results? There are... Read More
A Leader is not a certain type of person or... Read More
Leadership is not about getting people to do what they... Read More
You've spent the last 12 years riding your technical skills... Read More
Many potential leaders in business sabotage themselves and their organizations... Read More
Leaders do nothing more important than get results. But you... Read More
A leader's roleIn any change project, a leader must wear... Read More
Most of us find ourselves in a position to help... Read More
"The payoff for the ethical person is a reputation for... Read More
Anne was a new supervisor, and like many new supervisors... Read More
"How you think determines how you act. How you... Read More
Years ago, when I was new in management circles, a... Read More
"Know thyself" is a powerful principle that leaders, managers and... Read More
I am fascinated by problems. I like to think of... Read More
During the Second World War, Winston Churchill had a framed... Read More
Last week, as I was standing in the checkout line... Read More
You are a leader if someone is following you. This... Read More
Identity CrisisIt's not only the knowledge you carry around in... Read More
According to the dictionary choice means "to select freely after... Read More
So you want to be a leader? Or you want... Read More
What motivates people to work and to achieve? What circumstances... Read More
Side conversations ruin meetings by destroying focus and fragmenting participation.Approach... Read More
Who is Randy Gage? I first read about him in... Read More
If you want to be a leader who attracts quality... Read More
Are your meetings generally a waste of time? Do you... Read More
LISTEN, WRITE, AND ARTICULATE EFFECTIVELY: Leadership positions require effective communication... Read More
Though out your career you may be asked to become... Read More
As a whole we spend a lot of time filling... Read More
After studying scores of great thinkers like Leonardo Da Vinci,... Read More
____________________________________________"There's only one thing more contagious than a good attitude... Read More
"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working... Read More
1. The West Point Way of Leadership.GREAT book by a... Read More
Did you ever notice that In our American culture, we... Read More
Right about now, you've made the discovery that... Read More
STEPS TO BECOMING A GOOD LEADER: 1. Develop a master... Read More
I was invited to do a Leadership workshop at a... Read More
I hated Kyle Sisk*. A notorious bully, Kyle punctuated my... Read More
Have you noticed that across the business world people are... Read More
Many solopreneurs work in a team environment either with their... Read More
I am fascinated by problems. I like to think of... Read More
A number of years ago we created a graphic logo... Read More
Did you ever think that all of the great heroes... Read More
"The miracle power that elevates the few is to be... Read More
A willingness to change first is one of the major... Read More
The Lakota tribe of Native Americans has no word in... Read More
Leadership |