Managers are often being compared to conductors. Being a manager is, however, not the same role as the role of an orchestra conductor. That may have been a common idea, but it is not valid anymore. The manager doesn’t solely stand on a pedestal and direct accounting and reports from one team to another in a smooth and harmonious way.
What is a much more accurate simile of the job of the manager is conducting at a rehearsal, when nothing is going well and he tries to make it work. But what about the true nature of leadership? Beside persuasiveness, consensus-building and self-confidence, there are still 3 main abilities, according to an article on the theleadershiphub.com website.
Three old competencies are still key
The role of leadership is still being actively debated. Some 30 years ago, an extensive research discovered 4 main abilities that were shared among leaders. These key areas of competence still remain important today. Without any question, a leader has to be consistent in behavior. Today, with the faster pace of decision making and business regularly being done without regard to country borders, he has to give his team stability. The impact of technology is enormous and it is a crucial element of how work is performed and where the production is situated. That is why the ability to communicate directions and what the outcome should look like is the first of those 3 competencies. A leader has to be able to create a clear vision and share it with his subordinates. And last but not least, a leader needs the ability to understand himself thoroughly – he has to be aware of his weaknesses and strengths.
Collaborative leadership wins
It was true then and it is true still now – the primary task of every leader is to set up an environment where their subordinates feel their skills are recognized. Emphasis on shared goals and a common effort form the collaborative style of leadership. This leadership style is especially needed today, since intellectual capital is more critical for success than ever.
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