LEADERSHIP: STAY AHEAD

Published: 2007-04-10   please add a comment below

If you can’t keep up, you're part of the problem not the solution.  And, this is true for leaders, as for anyone else.  If you don't understand how your business works today – the market trends, new technologies, economic drivers and so on – then, people won't want to follow you.  As in a primitive tribe, they’ll leave you to die. 

Leaders with longevity are up-to-date.  You don't have to know it all, but you can't be past-it on topics central to the performance of areas you're meant to lead.

Think of those old warriors like Warren Buffett and Rupert Murdoch.  One thing you can be sure of is their understanding of their business drivers, not just for today but also tomorrow.  Despite their age, they're still ahead of the curve.

How do you know if you're still in the race?  Have you tested yourself?  Here are some questions, you might like to try.  Can I demonstrate expertise and command street cred?  Do I still bring in and hold business on the basis of my technical reputation?  Do I drive the thinking of my team beyond where others can go?  Am I in touch with the leading practitioners in the field?  Do they regard me as a peer?  Do I build competency and excellence in people, who work alongside me?

How did you go?  How many ticks; how many gaps?  What are you going to do?

Technical ability (in your area of responsibility) isn't the only requirement for credible leadership.  But in the professions – and many other businesses - as well as in any key functional area, it's critical to holding and inspiring people.

So, get technical!

Dr. Timothy Pascoe AM
PhD (Cambridge), MBA (Harvard), BE & BEc (Adelaide)
Creator, V|E|C|T|O|R Leadership^®