Case study

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There's more than one way of getting things done. Good managers do it every day. However, there's something about how leaders work that sets them apart. An effective leader influences those around them, turning complex problems into simple solutions. But not for the sake of their own ego. Let's look at some scenarios.

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Steve, where are the new product sales? The board is setting the department's budget tomorrow, at 8:00 AM, based on this report.

I know. I'm sorry. I stuffed up.

I need a solution. Well? We need to act today.

Melinda has the data I left out.

Call her.

She's on leave.

Find someone else with the data. There must be someone.

I don't know.

The board has a full report tomorrow at 8:00 AM.

It'll be there.

Steve, you left out the new product sales. The board needs this by 8:00 AM tomorrow.

I'm sorry. I know I stuffed up.

OK, let's think solutions.

I can't believe I've done this.

Don't worry about that for now. Who else has the data?

Melinda.

Great, call her.

She's on leave.

Somebody else must have the data. Think of the broader group, of the other people you worked with on this.

Suzie, but she's in a meeting all afternoon. Can you get her, by close of business?

I'll find a way.

Brilliant. If you hit a wall, come and see me.

I will. Thanks, Amanda.

Effective leaders work with and through people. Taking them in the right direction, where everyone benefits. During a crisis, they utilize these skills to great effect. Lisa or Amanda, which are you more like?

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We've all been dealing with the new client. But I was the one who clinched the deal so, according to the rules, it's my account. I'm just concerned that this is causing conflicts. I know others really wanted this client.

Conflict how?

Resentment, jealousy, difficult work environment. But you made it clear this was the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Oh, it is. It's great. But--

It's only natural others are going to feel negatively towards you for a while.

To be honest, I hadn't expected it.

Look, Kathy, you have to realize being ambitious has its pitfalls. Not everyone is going to be your best friend.

These are people I've worked for a long time.

The price you pay. It'll be fine, trust me.

I keep telling myself, it'll be fine. But it's not.

What kind of conflict?

Resentment, jealousy, difficult work environment.

This is Disappointing news. Your positive this is all happening on the back of your new client?

I'm sure. I feel isolated. People are treating me differently.

In what ways?

Less engaged, indifferent.

But nothing specific you can think of?

The vibe just feels wrong.

OK, these feelings are entirely legitimate. Is it possible you're projecting some of your stress?

I don't understand.

Well, sometimes we perceive situations more negatively than they actually are. It's also possible that they've noticed a change in your behavior.

I hadn't thought of that.

Don't be afraid to talk it over with them. It's not easy when there's a change in management.

Over the last 20 years, we've seen the role of the leader change dramatically. Intangibles, such as employee morale and emotional well being, are now integral to successful organizations. Leaders who ignore or underestimate the human aspect do so at their own peril.

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One of the constant dilemmas leaders face is how to manage their employees. Too much management, and staff can feel throttled and disempowered. Too little, and they can feel lost and unproductive. Effective leaders find a balance. They provide opportunity for innovation and emerging leadership, but do so within a context that ensures a desirable outcome.

I went through the brief, and I've got some ideas for a new approach.

We had a similar program last time that was very popular. Take Steve aside and brainstorm some fresh marketing campaign.

Sure. I was actually hoping to use social media as a new platform, rather than newspapers, TV, and radio. My concern is the way people, nowadays, are accessing information.

Sounds risky. There's a lot riding on this.

Absolutely. I've already prepared a strategy for Steve to look at.

Look, the new budget doesn't have any room for this.

Even though a number of our competitors already have a large online presence?

That might be, but my hands are tied.

This could open up a whole new market.

Yes, that's one point of view. The other is that we're already very successful in the markets we already know.

I'd be happy to go over the information I already have.

Look, I'm all for new ideas, but not at the expense of ones that already work well.

This is a completely new direction for us.

I know, I've developed a strategy for Steve to look at.

It's good. Very detailed.

Thanks. I think we'd be missing out on a whole new audience if we didn't branch out.

And you're confident that this is the right approach for us?

There's risk, but minimal. We've fallen behind in new media, so we'll need to make a leap at some stage.

OK. Let's update last years marketing strategy as a plan B.

Resource wise, we'd struggle.

Yes, there's very little room in the budget for new ventures. However, I could get together a small team to work on the update.

That would be great.

But I want you to lead them.

What about social media?

Steve and I will oversee it. But I want you to work with Melinda and the rest of the team. Steve should also be involved in the discussions, as he is our IT person. I realize this is your idea. And I'm impressed with the work that you've done. But Steve has an IT background. And I need to see the allocation the money.

I was really hoping for a new challenge.

This is it. You've already proven your innovation. And I'm expecting that you'll do the same with the tasks that I've set you.

I hope so.

Look, if we can accomplish both strategies, it'll be a great achievement for everyone involved.

I'll see if any improvements can made to last year's marketing. I'm sure there will be.

Great. Let's meet again in two weeks. That gives us a week before the launch of the campaign.

If Steve or I get stuck, we'll be sure to get you involved.

I'd appreciate that.

Leadership is undoubtedly challenging. Change can be rapid and unpredictable. But even under pressure, an effective leader is able to create an aura of excitement, through meaningful activities that make a difference. They also realize that not everything rests on their shoulders. The overall goal is most important, not who takes the spoils.

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It's an age old question, are leaders born or made? Well not everyone might agree, the answer is a simple one. Anyone can learn the habits and skills necessary for leadership.

Here you go.

Hi, Kathy. Take a seat.

Thanks.

So it's been two weeks. How's the campaign coming along?

To be honest, it's a struggle. I don't think I'm cut out for leadership.

Really? What's been the biggest challenge?

All of it, engaging staff, pulling resources together, keeping my cool. I need help.

I'm happy to assist you where I can. But do you feel you should've come to me earlier?

Probably. I guess I was trying to prove I could do it on my own.

Which can happen. I've been guilty of it myself.

I look at you, and you have it all together. People are motivated. They listen. You get things done. I don't have any of that.

First, you have the desire to lead. That's a good start. Second, what you see with me is an accumulation of many years of learning.

But you make it seem so natural.

After a while, perhaps. I've gradually honed my leadership skills, a lot of false starts and mistakes, a lot of dark days.

So what can I do? I really want to make this work. Maybe by trying so hard, you're clouding your judgment. Take time to observe your team. Learn what makes them tick. Ensure they always know where you're taking them.

And if they don't like the direction?

This sounds corny, but you need to create an atmosphere where they feel like they're missing out by not following you and the rest of the team.

I'm not charismatic like that.

You don't have to be. It's about being assertive and confident in the direction you're taking and open to learning from those around you. Some very successful leaders understand the limelight is not always on them.

I think they're beginning to sense my desperation. Maybe it's too late to re-energize them.

OK, the process wasn't perfect. But you've got a great opportunity in the next two weeks. Learn as much as you can for next time. I might take another look at this strategy and where we're at and then talk it over with you, if that's OK?

Of course, I'm glad you came and asked for help. Humility is an important trait in a leader.

Thanks for everything. I really appreciate it.

You're welcome. And Kathy, I know you'll find your feet soon. Be patient.

Across history, leadership has undergone many transformations, from the inspirational orator to the tough minded operator. The current ideal of a successful leader is one that is less domineering and more in harmony with those around them.

Every leader will bring their own personal style to the role. But those who are self-aware, flexible, able to acknowledge their own limitations, and understand what drives humans have the best chance, in the long term. Way to go team. That's a wrap.

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