Apr

15

The three aspects of good leadership

Filed Under Uncategorized 

Dr. Jay Conger Professor of Leadership Studies, Claremont McKenna College, discusses the following three aspects of great leadership, authenticity, branding and followership.

“We’re swimming in advice about how to be good leaders. Bookstores hold remarkable portraits of Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, Jack Welsh and others. They all have advice for us. But how many people can “play” Donald Trump? It’s hard to imitate these characters. And if you try, it is usually a disaster. The last person who tried to imitate Jack Welsh was Jacques Nasser at Ford, which is one reason why Ford ended up on the brink of disaster. It’s better to be yourself; beware of who you wish to become.”

 

Authenticity

“Why is authenticity important? We live in a world of political and business cynicism and we’ve lost trust with our establishments and leaders. Authenticity is crucial to gaining the mantle of leadership because it is used to retain talent. Authenticity requires:

  • Maintaining consistency between words and deeds
  • Communicating a consistent underlying theme
  • Being comfortable with yourself
  • Revealing an allowable weakness

“… It takes a long time to develop your own authenticity. The challenge is to develop your own sense of conviction, and life experiences can either reinforce or demolish those convictions. ”

“There has to be consistency between words and deeds. A leader’s actions must move the organization toward a consistent underlying theme. You have to know who you are and what the organization stands for.”

Being authentic is central to trust, and without trust you cannot lead. How effectively and consciously have you focused on developing your authenticity?

 

Branding

 

“Who you are as a leader is your brand. Because you can’t be everywhere, the brand will carry your message. Branding requires:

  • Having identity differences that are meaningful for your followers
  • Projecting these differences
  • Highlighting your differences in stories, decisions, dress and actions

What is Bill Gates’ brand? He is totally aligned with his business model, which means that if you’re a geek, you want to work for him. Richard Branson’s brand is risk taking, outrageous ideas and adventure. Your brand has to personify your business so followers can easily identify it.”

Although I don’t quite think that branding is the right word, the idea Jay talks about is important. Are you clear about why you make a difference?

 

Followership

“Why should anyone be led by you? As president and CEO, what are the one or two qualities that make people want to follow you? What your followers want:

  • Significance
  • Community
  • Excitement
  • Authenticity

“Do your actions mirror authenticity, a clear brand and build followership? “

Are you doing what matters? This is an important question. With so many causes for people to join and give of their time and energy, why does you cause matter?

 

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Related Posts

Comments

3 Responses to “The three aspects of good leadership”

  1. Tom Huchko on April 15th, 2008 22:03

    The application of the aspects, as presented, provides today’s college students an opportunity to develope leadership skills. He/She needs to jump in and assume some campus responsibilites to cultivate the skills.

  2. Andrea Sigetich on April 15th, 2008 22:52

    This is a wonderful post! Clear definition of authenticity … and brand as well. My personal bias is that a deep and profound understanding of our strengths — the talents and gifts that underpin our passions and skills — is essential to creation of a leadership brand. When I really get my strengths, and how they apply in leadership, I can present myself authentically and clearly.

    author, Play to Your Strengths

  3. Gary on April 16th, 2008 19:47

    Excellent post, with stimulating ideas!

Leave a Reply