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🌟 Unlocking Leadership Excellence: Strategies for Leading by Example 🌟 Embarking on a leadership role involves more than authority; it's about setting a positive example that breeds trust and ethical influence. Discover the best strategies for becoming a successful, ethical leader who cultivates a thriving work environment. 🚀 Strategy #1: Get Involved in the Work 🚀 Avoid the common pitfall of detachment from the work process. While a leader doesn't need to be constantly hands-on, being out of touch is equally detrimental. Understanding every aspect of the job is essential for effective management. Show up on the frontlines occasionally to boost morale and showcase leadership commitment. 👂 Strategy #2: Pay Attention to Your Team 👂 Acknowledging the creative input of your team is crucial. A successful leader actively listens to ideas and suggestions from all team members, regardless of their experience level. By valuing their contributions, you not only gain practical insights but also foster a culture of appreciation and open communication within the company. 🤝 Strategy #3: Take Responsibility 🤝 Assume responsibility for the impact of your decisions and actions. This not only sets a positive example but also builds trust within the team. Owning up to mistakes may not be easy, but it reinforces the expectation of accountability. Leaders who evade responsibility erode trust and disrupt workplace dynamics. Be the role model you'd want your team to emulate. 🌐 Leadership Through Ethics and Respect 🌐 Leading by example extends beyond actions—it encompasses embodying the best principles and work ethics. This ethical leadership sets the standard for your company's culture. Respect, understanding, and attention to your employees create a functional, enduring company. Your loyal and inspired team, influenced by your positive example, becomes the driving force for success. 🌟 In Conclusion: Shape a Legacy of Excellence 🌟 As a leader, your influence is profound. By adopting these strategies—immersing in the work, valuing your team's input, and taking responsibility—you not only ensure short-term success but also cultivate a legacy of excellence.

🌟 Unlocking Leadership Excellence: Strategies for Leading by Example 🌟 Embarking on a leadership role involves more than authority; it's about setting a positive example that breeds trust and ethical influence. Discover the best strategies for becoming a successful, ethical leader who cultivates a thriving work environment. 🚀 Strategy #1: Get Involved in the Work 🚀 Avoid the common pitfall of detachment from the work process. While a leader doesn't need to be constantly hands-on, being out of touch is equally detrimental. Understanding every aspect of the job is essential for effective management. Show up on the frontlines occasionally to boost morale and showcase leadership commitment. 👂 Strategy #2: Pay Attention to Your Team 👂 Acknowledging the creative input of your team is crucial. A successful leader actively listens to ideas and suggestions from all team members, regardless of their experience level. By valuing their contributions, you not only gain practical insights but also foster a culture of appreciation and open communication within the company. 🤝 Strategy #3: Take Responsibility 🤝 Assume responsibility for the impact of your decisions and actions. This not only sets a positive example but also builds trust within the team. Owning up to mistakes may not be easy, but it reinforces the expectation of accountability. Leaders who evade responsibility erode trust and disrupt workplace dynamics. Be the role model you'd want your team to emulate. 🌐 Leadership Through Ethics and Respect 🌐 Leading by example extends beyond actions—it encompasses embodying the best principles and work ethics. This ethical leadership sets the standard for your company's culture. Respect, understanding, and attention to your employees create a functional, enduring company. Your loyal and inspired team, influenced by your positive example, becomes the driving force for success. 🌟 In Conclusion: Shape a Legacy of Excellence 🌟 As a leader, your influence is profound. By adopting these strategies—immersing in the work, valuing your team's input, and taking responsibility—you not only ensure short-term success but also cultivate a legacy of excellence.

🌟 Unlocking Leadership Excellence: Strategies for Leading by Example 🌟 Embarking on a leadership role involves more than authority; it's about setting a positive example that breeds trust and ethical influence. Discover the best strategies for becoming a successful, ethical leader who cultivates a thriving work environment. 🚀 Strategy #1: Get Involved in the Work 🚀 Avoid the common pitfall of detachment from the work process. While a leader doesn't need to be constantly hands-on, being out of touch is equally detrimental. Understanding every aspect of the job is essential for effective management. Show up on the frontlines occasionally to boost morale and showcase leadership commitment. 👂 Strategy #2: Pay Attention to Your Team 👂 Acknowledging the creative input of your team is crucial. A successful leader actively listens to ideas and suggestions from all team members, regardless of their experience level. By valuing their contributions, you not only gain practical insights but also foster a culture of appreciation and open communication within the company. 🤝 Strategy #3: Take Responsibility 🤝 Assume responsibility for the impact of your decisions and actions. This not only sets a positive example but also builds trust within the team. Owning up to mistakes may not be easy, but it reinforces the expectation of accountability. Leaders who evade responsibility erode trust and disrupt workplace dynamics. Be the role model you'd want your team to emulate. 🌐 Leadership Through Ethics and Respect 🌐 Leading by example extends beyond actions—it encompasses embodying the best principles and work ethics. This ethical leadership sets the standard for your company's culture. Respect, understanding, and attention to your employees create a functional, enduring company. Your loyal and inspired team, influenced by your positive example, becomes the driving force for success. 🌟 In Conclusion: Shape a Legacy of Excellence 🌟 As a leader, your influence is profound. By adopting these strategies—immersing in the work, valuing your team's input, and taking responsibility—you not only ensure short-term success but also cultivate a legacy of excellence.

Which is More Important in a Leader: Personality, Skill Set, or Both?  I've been contemplating the critical components of effective leadership, especially after encountering a leader who behaves like a 'mean girl.' This leader's discouragement of questioning, her view of it as a challenge to her authority, and the toxic work environment she has created filled with gossip and high turnover, all serve as a stark reminder of the negative impact a toxic personality can have on leadership. In contrast, another leader I know started as a novice but grew into the role by fostering opportunities for growth and development for her team. This juxtaposition raises the question: What drives successful leadership—personality, skill set, or a combination of both?  The Influence of Personality  Personality profoundly impacts leadership effectiveness. A leader's demeanor shapes their interactions, decision-making, and the overall workplace climate. Leaders who are approachable and supportive tend to cultivate a collaborative and positive environment. On the other hand, those who are unapproachable and engage in gossip or punitive measures can create a toxic culture that drives employees away.  Research highlights the importance of personality in leadership, particularly ethical behavior. For example, studies in the Journal of Business Ethics indicate that leaders with high emotional intelligence and ethical behavior build trust and commitment within their teams. This underscores the necessity of upholding ethical standards in leadership, as leaders with narcissistic tendencies or manipulative behaviors contribute to high turnover and low morale.  The Necessity of a Strong Skill Set  While personality is vital, a leader's skill set is equally critical. Effective leaders need skills in strategic thinking, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire and motivate. Leaders who lack these skills might need help to steer their teams towards achieving organizational goals.  However, skills can be developed. I recall a leader who, despite her initial inexperience, excelled by prioritizing her and her team's professional development. She turned challenges into learning opportunities, enhancing her own and her employees' understanding of the organization's vision and mission. This approach not only improved her leadership skills but also empowered her team, fostering a more engaged and capable workforce.  The Harvard Business Review supports this view, emphasizing that continuous learning and development are crucial for sustaining leadership effectiveness and organizational success.  CONTINUED IN COMMENTS

As we say, it is never late.. It is this time of the year again, when we engage in self reflection - scoring ourself based on our actions / inactions, wins / loses, goals hit / missed, or whatever metric we choose. At this time, we ask ourselves: what did we do about our leadership challenge(s)? Ok, if we did something, we sincerely hope it worked out well. If we did nothing or didn't get our desired results, we should know that THERE IS STILL TIME to recover, reorganise and perhaps restructure. But first, we need to know what problems to solve and how. Some of the common challenges, leaders are: Understanding the Challenges • Economic Volatility: The global economic landscape is ever-changing, with frequent fluctuations impacting markets. Leaders must be adept at navigating these uncertainties to ensure organizational stability and growth. • Political Instability: Political changes and instability can disrupt business operations. Leaders need to stay informed and adaptable to mitigate risks and seize opportunities. • Technological Disruption: Rapid technological advancements require leaders to constantly evolve. Staying ahead of the curve and leveraging new technologies for strategic advantage is crucial. • Cultural and Social Dynamics: Leaders in Africa and around the world must manage diverse teams with varying cultural and social backgrounds. Fostering a cohesive, inclusive environment is essential for maximizing team potential. • Ethical Leadership: Upholding ethical standards in decision-making processes is more important than ever. Leaders must model integrity and accountability to build trust within and outside their organizations. Thereupon, we need to equip ourselves with tools to tackle these challenges head-on: • Self-Awareness: Gaining a deep understanding of your personal strengths, weaknesses, and values. • Emotional Intelligence: Developing the ability to manage your emotions and understand those of others, fostering better relationships. • Resilience: Building mental and emotional fortitude to face challenges and bounce back stronger. • Strategic Thinking: Enhancing your ability to think critically and make sound decisions in complex situations. • Ethical Leadership: Fostering a commitment to ethical principles and integrity in all aspects of your leadership role. The transformative journey to become a more effective, resilient and ethical leader starts now....

𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲𝘀 (𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘥...) 6. 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: A situational leader adapts their leadership style based on the needs of their team and the current situation. They assess factors like the team’s competency, confidence, and motivation and choose an approach that best suits the circumstances. This flexibility makes situational leaders highly effective across different types of teams and environments, as they adjust their style based on individual team members and varying contexts. 7. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Charismatic leaders inspire and energize their teams through their personal charm, enthusiasm, and persuasiveness. They are often seen as highly influential, using their strong emotional appeal to inspire loyalty and motivate their team toward ambitious goals. However, while charismatic leaders can inspire great passion and commitment, they must balance their influence with humility and ensure their leadership is aligned with the team’s best interests. 8. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Transactional leaders focus on maintaining the status quo and achieving specific goals through a system of rewards and penalties. They are task-oriented, emphasizing structure, short-term goals, and clear instructions. This leadership style is effective in highly structured environments where specific outcomes are required. While this approach may not inspire innovation, it can provide stability and consistency in operations. 9. 𝗟𝗮𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘇-𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Laissez-faire leaders take a hands-off approach, giving their team a high degree of autonomy. They trust that their team members are capable of self-managing and prefer to act as facilitators rather than direct supervisors. While this style can empower highly skilled teams, it can also lead to a lack of direction or accountability if team members don’t have the right level of motivation or competence. 10. 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Ethical leaders prioritize doing what’s right, both for their team and the organization. They emphasize integrity, transparency, and fairness in their leadership approach. Ethical leaders serve as role models by demonstrating strong moral principles, which they expect their team to follow. They build trust and respect by treating everyone fairly and creating an environment where honesty and accountability are valued.

Recently I had an opportunity to catch up with my mentor & guide. Discussed many things and one among was, whether the leader should be liked or respected. I had written about this many years ago. Believe the question still remains relevant, and it touches on core aspects of leadership philosophy. There are valid arguments on both sides, but ultimately, I believe that being respected is more crucial for effective leadership than being liked. Here's my reasoning: Respect vs. Likeability: Respect is based on competence, integrity, and fair treatment. It's earned through actions and decisions. Likeability is more about personal charm and agreeableness. While valuable, it's often more superficial. Long-term effectiveness: Respected leaders can make tough decisions that may be unpopular in the short term but benefit the organization long-term. Leaders focused on being liked might avoid necessary conflicts or difficult choices to maintain popularity. Crisis management: In challenging times, people look to leaders they respect for guidance and stability. Mere likeability may not be enough to inspire confidence during crises. Team performance: Respect often leads to higher motivation and productivity. Team members work hard for leaders they admire. While a likeable environment is pleasant, it doesn't necessarily drive peak performance. Ethical leadership: Respected leaders are more likely to maintain ethical standards and hold others accountable. The desire to be liked could lead to compromising principles to avoid conflict. Professional boundaries: Respect helps maintain appropriate leader-team member boundaries. Overfocus on being liked might blur these lines, leading to favouritism or inconsistent treatment. That said, the ideal leader would cultivate both respect and a degree of likeability. Empathy, effective communication, and fairness can make a respected leader more approachable and effective. It's also worth noting that different organizational cultures and contexts might prioritize these qualities differently. In some collaborative, flat hierarchies, likeability might be more valued, while in more traditional structures, respect might be paramount. What's your perspective on this? Do you see situations where being liked might be more important for a leader?

ARE YOU AN ETHICAL LEADER? 💭 Ethical Leadership stands as a beacon of integrity, empathy, and sustainable success. This approach starkly contrasts with managers who solely focus on profits, often neglecting the welfare of employees, clients, and society at large. This type of leadership approach, however, is about embodying moral principles and values in every decision, leading by example, and fostering a positive organizational culture. Here’s how I bring Ethical Leadership to life every day in my professional journey: 1. Prioritizing Moral Principles and Values in Decision-Making: with over 20 years in the business world in varying industries from mortgages, insurance, retail, cosmetics, and coaching industries, I have consistently placed integrity, honesty, and fairness at the forefront of my strategic decisions. This commitment ensures that every business action aligns with our core values, fostering trust and long-term loyalty among clients and employees. 2. Leading by Example with Integrity, Honesty, and Fairness: Throughout my career, from my roles at Estée Lauder Companies to Bank of America, I have led teams by exemplifying ethical behavior. My leadership style is transparent and fair, which cultivates a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. 3. Holding Myself and Others Accountable for Ethical Conduct: I firmly believe in accountability. By setting clear ethical standards and holding myself and my teams to these benchmarks, we collectively uphold a culture of integrity. This accountability extends to all aspects of business operations, ensuring that our actions positively impact all stakeholders. 4. Building Trust, Respect, and a Positive Organizational Culture: Trust is the cornerstone of any successful organization. Through empathetic leadership and active listening, I have built strong, respectful relationships within my teams. This approach not only boosts morale but also drives higher engagement and productivity. 5. Upholding Ethical Standards Throughout the Organization: My roles have often involved creating and implementing policies that reinforce ethical behavior. By integrating these standards into our daily operations, we maintain a consistent and principled approach across all levels of the organization. 6. Considering the Effects of Decisions on the Company and Stakeholders: Understanding the broader impact of our decisions is crucial. I strive to make informed choices that benefit not just the company but also our employees, customers, and the wider community. This holistic view helps in building a sustainable and socially responsible business. 7. Valuing Empathy, Active Listening, and Understanding Diverse Perspectives: My leadership philosophy centers around empathy and inclusivity. By actively listening to diverse perspectives, I ensure that our strategies are comprehensive and considerate of everyone’s needs.

https://lnkd.in/gwskyu_R Something I have stood learnt from my managers and peers back at IBM in the early 2000s and have tried to replicate. But today's startup culture has no patience and wants everything quick. Its not wrong however when you make choices of Profit over Ethics, it only leads to burnout, zero valued based culture and what remains is a transactional relationship with people and that is why you see employees shopping for better offers and better culture. To all those in a hurry rethink what you are building and more importantly how you are building!

If U r a Leader , Be an Ethical Leader. know how ...