LEADERSHIP: THINK BIG BUT ALSO SMALL

Successful leaders offer both an uplifting goal and the steps to get there. The secret’s in the balance. If you’re only visionary, your legacy may well be just that: a high-potential but unrealised dream. People love it, but nothing happens. Equally, if you’re only focused on action and implementation, your people may be busy as hell but going nowhere. On long flights, I sometimes cook up an idea and enjoy the experience of what the outcome might look like – truly the view from 30,000 feet. But later, back at my desk, I have to think about how we’ll get there and my interest wanes. Too much hard work. Which would your people say you are: the dreamer or the detailer? Test yourself: which of the following two statements is more your home territory?

1. I think a lot about our goals and outcomes, the marketplace, in which we operate, the drivers of competitive advantage, the outline for a new organisation structure and the communication to get all this across. Also, how to play my role as ambassador for the new strategy.
2. I focus on plans and action lists. Also potential internal limits and breakage points of people and systems. I think about how to handle external shocks like new competitor offerings? I define the bottom-line and other metrics. And, the training and development people will need.

The first is the natural home of the big-picture leader, the strategist. The second, the home of the implementer. Most leaders, other than those at the top of big corporations, have to bridge both. So, if you’re more the visionary, re-read the second paragraph. If you’re a detail person, focus on the first.

Ask your people what specifically they’d like you to invest more effort in – to round out your leadership. Or, sit for a while and think of the project you’re currently heading, the product you’re launching or the turnaround you’re driving. Ask yourself what’s needed for the right balance of vision and execution? And, who could help you fill the gap? Your boss perhaps, a subordinate or another colleague? Leadership is about taking charge but also supporting others in the same. You don’t have to do everything. Show adaptability in seeking the right balance and involve others, who can help you complete the picture – so it has both exciting outline and precise shading.

That’s what my online V|E|C|T|O|R Leadership® action planning tool enables you to do. I built it over several decades working with leaders across a wide range of industries and businesses, helping them resolve the myriad trade-offs that are part of their daily lives as leaders.

Invest an hour and achieve a practical balance for your current challenges.

Categories for this Potshot:

Define goals and outcomes, Understand your marketplace, Build competitive advantage, Design structures and roles, Communicate key messages, Act as ambassador, Develop plans and actions lists, Recognise internal limits, Prepare for external shocks, Drive bottom line metrics, Develop staff and succession, Take charge and support others, Show self-leadership, Career planning,

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