What kind of leader are you?

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

By Patrick Maloney, MD, Lead Talent

Mentoring leaders for so many years has allowed me to witness a wide variety of leadership styles. Some leaders have led from the front, while others have been tangled up in operational details, and some leaders have become invisible or hard to reach.

I say it again. The key to success in uncertain times is to have a clear plan, lead from the front, and make it happen. Consider your current situation, which camp would you fit in? Unsure? Consider the characteristics of a reactive, tactical, and strategic leader.

You may be a mixture of all three…?

Regardless of the answer, I hope it will illuminate areas for adjustment, improvement, and continuity:

The Reactive Leader:

Instead of leading, they manage.
Their eyes are glued to the computer screen. Rather than plan, they react.
Their attention is focused on what is immediately in front of them.
 They tell everyone how stressful their job is. Communication with the business is non-existent. They avoid seeking help and expertise.

The Tactical Leader:

They manage the day-to-day.
They operate at least one level below where they should be. They get bogged down in the details.
 There is a lack of effective communication between them and the business.
There is a lack of delegation and effective use of their team.
 They avoid asking for help and expertise.

The Strategic Leader:

They lead from the front.
Their talent pool is being used to build operational silence to support their day-to-day operations.
 They change the business mix to align with market demand changes. 
They communicate clearly with the whole business at every opportunity (minimum weekly).
The business is positioned both internally and externally as a trusted partner.
In this market, they are looking for opportunities and tracking and monitoring the leaders who are excelling.
 They are already speaking with advisers about plans for sustainability, growth and opportunity and building a strategy for when the crisis passes.

So, which one best describes you, and what colour is your tea?

There is one thing for sure: the situation won’t get easier anytime soon for UK leaders.

It’s time to step up and lead from the front for your team and your business. Do not look back on this situation in 12 months’ time and regret not building strategic resilience into your business in the medium to long term.

In light of all these reasons, I’ll share my next blog with you on what a leader should be doing to build strategic resilience. In the meantime, if anyone needs advice, help, or a sounding board, feel free to contact me. I’m here to help.

There are no strings attached, no charges, no obligations.

For a confidential, no-obligation chat about how Lead-Talent can help you develop and execute your strategic plans, call me on 07715 326 502 or email patrick.maloney@lead- talent.co.uk.