When clients approach me about bringing the “next big thing” to their teams and organizations, I often find myself deflecting until I have a better understanding of how well they are already practicing the fundamentals of good leadership and teamwork. While there are exciting new developments in the field of leadership science – managing complexity and paradox in VUCA world, engaging with disruption mapping to anticipate the future, navigating the ever increasing speed of change – it’s hard to make the most of them when leaders haven’t mastered the fundamentals.
When I was in the fifth grade, I had the good fortune to play on a PeeWee football team led by Coach Hubbard. Like all the other boys on the team, Coach Hubbard was my introduction to organized football. He had a grizzled face, smoked incessantly and wore a wool pea coat and stocking cap no matter what the weather was. He never yelled, never got excited, and drilled us relentlessly on the fundamentals of the sport.
Coach Hubbard would walk down a line of thirty some odd boys testing and advising each on their three-point stance – head up, butt down, right hand and left arm placed just so. He had no interest in fancy moves, focusing instead on proper head and shoulder placement for a tackle and how to keep your feet moving while blocking. Coach Hubbard was so confident in his approach to executing fundamentals that during games he would call in plays from the sidelines, allowing the opposing team to hear exactly what was coming.
Football may not be your game, and sports metaphors may not be your thing. But it is hard to argue that fundamental skills and core practices are not winning ingredients for individual leaders, leadership teams and entire organizations.
The fundamentals of leadership haven’t changed. The best leaders with the most impact practice three core leadership skills: self-awareness; clear, direct, authentic communication; and the ability to build and maintain trusting relationships. And there are proven methodologies for enhancing each of these capabilities.
Executives can enhance their self-awareness through a multifaceted approach that encompasses both introspective and external strategies. A facilitated process of 360-degree feedback from peers, subordinates, and mentors fosters an external perspective, providing valuable insights into blind spots and areas for improvement. Engaging in leadership development programs, workshops, or executive coaching can offer structured frameworks and tools to deepen self-awareness. And cultivating a habit of reflective practices, such as journaling or regular introspection, enables executives to delve into their thoughts, emotions, and decision-making processes. By combining these methods, executives can develop a robust self-awareness that not only contributes to personal growth but also enhances their effectiveness as leaders within the dynamic business landscape.
Developing a style of clear, direct, and authentic communication is crucial for executives seeking to establish effective leadership. Executives can refine their communication by consistently articulating a clear vision, goals, and expectations. Embracing transparency and avoiding jargon fosters direct connection with teams, ensuring that messages are easily understood and resonate authentically. And learning to incorporate storytelling techniques can make messages more relatable.
One framework executives can use to enhance trust in workplace relationships is Frances Frei's trust triangle. Frei's model focuses on building trust through three interrelated components: authenticity, logic, and empathy. Executives can foster authenticity by aligning their actions with their words, ensuring consistency and transparency in their leadership approach. Logic involves establishing a clear and rational framework for decision-making, providing a basis for trust in the organization's direction. Additionally, executives can cultivate empathy by understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of their teams, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. By actively incorporating these three elements into their leadership style, executives can strengthen trust at all levels of the organization, ultimately contributing to increased employee engagement, collaboration, and overall organizational success.
A core set of leadership skills – consistently practiced, particularly among senior leaders – has the potential to significantly raise individual, team and organizational performance. And it provides an important foundation that enables leaders to do the next-level work of envisioning strategy, integrated the organization and driving change. Contact us to learn more about our leadership development and coaching practice.
