Driving Success in 2017 - Business Principle "Leadership"
Leaders establish unity of purpose and direction of an organization. They are the ones who create and maintain the sustainability of an organization, so that all interested parties (customers, owners, employees, contractors, suppliers, investors, board of directors) can become fully involved in achieving the business mission for its future.
Who is your Leader(s) in your organization? I have always been an advocate of having two (2) CEOs in an organization (Co-CEO Structure) for double performance. One being a man and the other a woman, as we think differently and bring together a well-rounded organization. Many major organizations have 2 CEOs; Oracle, Chipotle, Whole Foods, Deutsche Bank, etc.
The management system (MS) structure assists the leader to perform with ease; having accountability, competencies defined and communicated. The MS needs to manage and track process risks, to establish strategic plans, be in compliance with legal requirements (environment, health & safety, quality), and improve financial, operational controls with monitoring and measurement support. Internal and third party audits, as well as their non-conformance and corrective action processes keeps leaders informed on progress, successes and opportunities for improvement. Management systems to international standards – ISO assists leaders in global business.
Board of Directors need to be aware and approve the organization’s management system framework. Kept informed of its risks and how they are controlled, monitored and measured knowing what can impact performance and profits. Know what functions in the management system will provide them with key information (knowledge).
Management needs to be purposeful, results-oriented for quality and continual improvement, therefore, innovation, collaboration, change management is a key part of leadership.
Leaders influence and motivate others. Two reasons we make mistakes in life are: 1) lack of information 2) inexperience. Asking questions helps us to be proactive and to gather the information to make better decisions and take better direction in the company.
ASSESS – REFLECT -- ACT
What is the purpose of your company being in business? What is unique about your company? Does your branding reflect this? What are you contributing to customers? To Society?
Does your organization support Co-CEO structure with a man and woman? Why? or Why Not? What tools does your company have in place to translate the skills of leadership effectiveness and outcomes into metrics?
How do you get to know the interested parties (employees, board members, customers, contractors, suppliers), that support you in achieving your business mission? How do you show you value their input?
What criteria do you manage your business processes to? Can you describe it and how it supports driving the success of your organization?
What is the vision for the company for the next two to three years? What can or will impact the success of your business? Are you planning to do global business?
Quotes:
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”. Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman
“There are no limits to the majestic future which lies before the mighty expanse of Canada with its virile, aspiring, cultured and generous-hearted people.” Sir Winston Churchill
