Setting Senior Leaders Up For Success
Cathie Leimbach • August 20, 2024
Over 35% of new CEOs fail within 18 months. Those who succeed often exhibit these five leadership mindsets:
- Future-Focused: Successful leaders look to the future and help others handle the discomfort of change. They prepare their team for disruptions and guide them through transitions.
- Customer Relevance: They ensure that the company's products and services remain relevant for customers and society. They keep an eye on trends and adjust offerings to meet evolving demands.
- Adaptability: They adjust the work and culture of the company to meet changing needs. Flexibility and willingness to evolve are key to staying competitive.
- Collaborative Leadership: They work collaboratively, valuing input from others. This approach leads to more informed decision-making and stronger team support.
- Balancing Profit and People: They balance profit with human needs, aiming for a sustainable future. They understand that long-term success involves caring for both the business and its people.
Adopting these mindsets sets senior leaders up for success, helping them navigate challenges and lead their companies for ongoing success.
Ever wonder why some companies consistently outperform their competitors? According to Ram Charan's "Leaders at All Levels," the secret often lies in their approach to leadership development. Think about it: when organizations invest in developing leaders at every level, they're not just checking a box for HR—they're directly fueling their economic engine. Charan says that leadership talent is actually the biggest constraint on business growth worldwide. Too many companies treat leadership development as a nice-to-have program rather than a strategic necessity. But those who get it right create a continuous chain reaction of leadership excellence throughout their organization, resulting in measurable business advantages. The most successful companies don't just develop executives at the top. They identify potential leaders early, move them through increasingly challenging assignments, and ensure they gain the necessary skills to drive performance at every level. In today's competitive landscape, your leadership pipeline isn't just about succession planning—it's about creating the sustainable competitive advantage that drives superior business results and economic performance right now.
Have you ever felt like someone wasn't really hearing you? Reflective listening can fix that problem in the workplace. Reflective listening means truly understanding what someone is saying before you respond. When a coworker is speaking, focus completely on their words instead of planning what you'll say next. Many of us start forming responses while others are still talking, which means we miss important parts of their message. True listening requires patience and practice. To become a reflective listener, start by giving your full attention. Put away your phone, turn away from your computer, and make eye contact. Then, after the person finishes speaking, briefly summarize what you heard. You might say, "So what I'm hearing is..." This shows you were truly listening and gives them a chance to clarify if needed. The benefits of reflective listening are huge. It reduces misunderstandings, builds trust between coworkers, and helps solve problems more effectively. People feel valued when they're truly heard, which creates a more positive workplace. With practice, reflective listening becomes a habit that improves all your work relationships. Remember: listen first, respond second. Your workplace will be better for it.