#5 MY VISION OF LEADERSHIP

 

 “Vision without actions are a daydream. Actions without vision are nightmares”.

Leadership has been defined as the ability of an individual to influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness of their organization (CMI, 2017). For the past 10 weeks I learned how to distinguish between management and leadership, to lead and manage group, appreciate ethical models of leadership and much more. Through my university studies, work experience and mindfulness classes I developed my own vision of leadership, gained clearer understanding of my personal and career goals.

Firstly, I will give a brief summary of principles on which my model of leadership is based below.This principles are in line with ethical leadership, democratic leadership model and have been elements in 4V model. My model could be summarized as “Vision, Communication and Action”.

Develop your own view, think critically and be authentic.

Everything starts with a vision. People come together around a clear vision and things become a reality (that before seemed impossible). “There is no favorable wind, for the person who does not know where he wants to sail”.

To have a visions also means to be aware of the interests of all those you lead – not only your own interests. Understand the reasons for actions, and deep motivations. In business, this means thinking about the implications of objectives as well as the purpose behind work.

Vision must be clearly re-translated to those who will help to achieve your vision. Communication is a key for that.

 

Communication

Be interconnected, relate to people. To be able to communicate your vision clearly is one of the hardest yet most important aspects of leadership. If one is successful in showing his vision to others, an impulse reaches another individual and triggers an idea and reaction for creative productivity is created. Idea is like a spark that connects people around that vision and allows company to function as a single organism (beehive). It is the leader’s job to send, manage and reinvigorate these impulses among colleagues. Consultations brainstorm sessions and collaborations are examples of how to ensure that everyone understands the direction and is engaged in activities.

Action is important for a leader. “The best way to predict your future is to create it”

Actions must grow from the seeds of vision, and through ways of effective communication.

 

Importance of all these aspects was demonstrated during one of the leadership classes when our task was to build a copy of already existing Lego structure (Picture above). Task may sound simple enough, but the twist was that only one person could see the original plan that we had to build without the ability to interfere in the building process.  Idea has to be reflected through communication and put into action.

In my opinion in order to engage people, leaders must focus on few simple values, which I present below. He must lead through his own example as intangible values will deliver tangible benefits to a company (Forbes, 2016).

One of my goals as a future leader will be creation of innovative space and a happy environment with a commitment to the well-being of employees. In my point of view, principles how to make a great leader below can create a dynamic and productive space (Forbes, 2015). Other valuable principles include:

Increase Mindfulness- trained mind, increased self-awareness; Build on strength, keep positive and focus on happiness. “Negative thoughts and emotions not only can lead to wrong decisions but also waste mind energy.” writes the Dalai Lama (The Dalai Lama, 2009)

I am inspired to create compassionate, peaceful environment, full of mutual respect, and always to remember ethical principles (e.g. protect vulnerable). An example is a contemporary issue of refugee integration in the society/workplace (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights , 2016). Business cases of ethical leadership- management of related to migration processes, which is a necessity worldwide and a society-wide challenge (McKinsey, 2016).

Every problem has a solution, and having the positive attitude helps to find it. As well as promote mutual respect, know how best to motivate his employees, persuade his customers, and support its shareholders (Journal of Management Education, 2000).

How to achieve and develop these skills?  Through continues personal development, including courses, management qualifications , coaching and mentoring,

Modern electronic tools, CMI and other professional bodies, websites, literature and new technologies are useful. Embracing many dimensions of integrated management, certifications and knowledge up to date.

I am inspired by business leaders in companies which are highly rated as nice companies to work in (e.g. Genentech, Google, Yahoo, Expedia) who created a welcoming and thriving environment for staff  achieving high engagement; and importantly by spiritual leaders like Dala Laima, who has highly ethical views, leader’s charisma, energetic charge and strong moral principles. I believe, workplace in future will be more collaborative and innovative, and enhancing the physical, cognitive and emotional well-being of workers. I will lead from positive emotions like care and high believes not from negatives, like fears, greed or jealousy. Above model incorporated views of ethical and democratic leaders.

To conclude, I am inspired to be a modern ethical and compassionate leader, who is full minded and cares not only about profit but people.

 

Who Are Your Leadership Role Models? And why?

Please share your vision of leadership below.

 

References

CMI, 2017. CMI. [Online]
Available at: http://www.managers.org.uk/
[Accessed 03 2017].

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights , 2016. Speeches. [Online]
Available at: http://fra.europa.eu/en/theme/hate-crime/speeches
[Accessed 03 2017].

Forbes, 2015. integrated-thinking. [Online]
Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rajeevpeshawaria/2015/07/23/integrated-thinking
[Accessed 03 2017].

Forbes, 2016. Managing Brand Ideas Flawlessly Across Agency Partners. [Online]
Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/avidan/2016/12/01/how-cmos-can-stop-roster-agencies-from-becoming-frenemies-and-collaborate-better
[Accessed 03 2017].

Journal of Management Education, 2000. A Decision Model for Integration across the Business Curriculum in the 21st Century, s.l.: s.n.

McKinsey, 2016. A road map for integrating Europe’s refugees. [Online]
Available at: http://www.mckinsey.com/global-themes/employment-and-growth/a-road-map-for-integrating-europes-refugees
[Accessed 03 2017].

The Dalai Lama, L. v. d. M., 2009. The Leader’s Way: The Art of Making the Right Decisions in Our Careers, Our Companies, and the World at Large. s.l.:Crown Business.