Comments on: What Does Leadership Look Like?

By: Susan Mazza

Susan Mazza — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:46:47 +0000

Thank you Andrew for such a though filled response!

This is so well said: It looks like paying attention to what is needed here, now, and with these people.

I think acts of leadership have more to do with the intent of the action rather than a prescribed set of actions. If we become too fixed in our interpretation of what leadership looks like (or should look like) we can end up trying to “do leadership” and completely miss the mark of what is “needed here, now and with these people”.

(Sorry for the delay in my response Andrew – your comment is very rich and much appreciated!)

By: Andrew Cohn

Andrew Cohn — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:42:12 +0000

Nice post, Susan. Thank you.
What does leadership look like?
I believe there are several layers to this response. In my experience, leadership looks like recognizing what is important and then vigilantly focusing on it. Whether it is market conditions, team dynamics, cost control, the regulatory environment, or other business imperatives, effective leaders identify priorities and then focus upon them.
In addition, that focus focus must tap into the enthusiasm and energy of people. And this step is the most challenging because it presupposes that one knows what will invoke enthusiasm and passion. For example, great leadership might look like communicating an inspiring vision of success- or getting out of the way and allowing someone else to provide the details and paint the picture. It could involve lots of face time for some team members and much less for others.
Finally, and most importantly, that focus and unlocking of potential must be based upon a leader’s individual purpose. It might be called a personal mission- a Leadership Point of View, a connection to a purpose beyond profit. A purpose that is about creating, giving, and serving others.
Your simple question is such an interesting one because effective leadership can look very different from one organization to another, from one situation to another. from one time to another. Again, it looks like paying attention to what is needed here, now, and with these people.
A rich topic- thanks again for the post.

By: Three Star Leadership Blog

Three Star Leadership Blog — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:02:58 +0000

7/21/10: A Midweek Look at the Independent Business Blogs…

Every week I select five excellent posts from this week’s independent business blogs. This week, I’m pointing you to posts on metaphors for your organization, the look of leadership, a vote against Maslow, measuring engagement, and “evidence-based”…