Leadership
All leaders perform basic functions. They:
- Create vision
- Communicate vision
- Provide tools
- Remove barriers
- Hold self and others accountable.
These functions look a little different at various levels.
Front line leaders often don’t realize they are experiencing a major career shift when they are promoted. They need a wholesome definition and model for leadership. They need new skills in giving feedback, developing relationships with boundaries, handling conflict, setting goals, providing accountability, giving feedback, handling 1:1 meetings, and knowing resources on where to find things.
Mid-level leaders must start thinking differently. They must move from management to leadership and strategy. It’s much more important for them to communicate culture and vision. They are on the front line of organizational development. Among other things, they must learn to manage the people who manage people. Critical thinking and problem solving skills become much more important.
Executives are different still. Their task focuses on strategic vision and the discipline of direction. They create the functional values that guide the organization and create healthy culture. They lead leaders and scale the organization for growth. A key element is communicating healthy mental models for the entire organization.
