Business growth

Think of major companies that grew outstandingly over the last few decades - groups internationally like Apple (US), Cemex (Mexico), Mittal Steel (India) and Virgin (UK). Or, in Australia, Harvey Norman, Fortescue Minerals and Macquarie Bank. I'll guarantee that almost immediately, you also thought of the leaders, who drove the success of these groups. Steve Jobs, Lorenzo Zambrano, Lakshmi Mittal and Richard Branson - or Gerry Harvey, Andrew Forrest, Nicholas Moore and his colleagues. That's easy. During the ascent (and conintuing success) of these organisations, the media put their names in front of us continually.

But, now think locally of a company you know, which has shown impressive growth in recent time. Perhaps a real estate agency, bank branch or equipment rental business. Almost certainly, you'll again know the name of the man or woman, who drove the growth. It's no different with sporting teams or theatre companies: we know the names of the coaches or directors, who built the record.

Finally, let's go inside the organisation, where you work today. I'll guarantee you can name one or more divisions or business areas, which have grown ahead of the rest. And, you'll know the leaders' names.

There are also many lesser-known but successful leaders in the world. But, the central point is this: where there's exceptional growth and performance, it doesn't take you long to find one or, in some cases, a whole cadre of fine leaders. The notoriety is not the issue; it's the presence of good leadership.

So, what is leadership about? Here are six elements: the capacity to set a vision, energise people around it, establish a culture, excel technically, build teams and keep on renewing the business to stay ahead. These are traits you find in high-growth, sustainable businesses.

It's these six elements, which are at the core of the V|E|C|T|O|R tools I've created. And, they provide you with a three-step planning process to diagnose what you need to do. This is not about general principles but specific actions relevant to your current and upcoming challenges. In some cases, the priority is to sharpen the vision. People may not be sure where the business is heading. In another, to create more energy and a better culture. People may feel lost. In yet another, to get back in front technically and lead the industry forward again.

The central challenge is this: if you're the leader, you need to work out the actions you're going to take so people want to follow you - to come on the journey you have in mind for the company or your section of it.

Successful leaders have a leadership action plan. learn more about our Action Planning Tool Kit