Driving strategic results – do you have the skills to get the job done?
2 Jul, 2020
TOP FOUR SKILLS THAT DRIVE STRATEGIC RESULTS
Strategic leaders are consistently looking forward, anticipating needs, and preparing for new goals tomorrow. And, as we’ve seen, they’re also continually grooming the organization’s leaders of tomorrow.
If your organization needs help in finding that next strategic leader—or if you are a strategic leader looking for that next phenomenal career opportunity—Buckman Enochs Coss can get the job done.
What makes an effective leader? Ask 100 people and you’re bound to receive 100 completely different responses. However, if you focus on helping your teams to perform better, you’ll create a culture that emphasizes engagement and collaboration. Below, I’ve outlined four strategies that are effective not only for resolving immediate challenges, but also lay a strong foundation for driving long-term strategic results.
1. Commit to communication
One thing I’ve learned over the years is how critical it is to teach your team to ask future-based questions that focus on results and deliverables. Nothing derails a project faster than by not understanding the end goal as well as the who/what/where/when. After key points have been nailed down, team members should repeat the details back to you to ensure they are 100% clear on what is expected of them. Give well-defined options for how the work and results can be achieved and allow the team to choose their own path to completion.
2. Learn to delegate
Many leaders fall into the trap of, “if you want it done right, do it yourself.” That’s great if you’re building a bench at home; but, if you are a manager or C-suite level executive, you need a team of like-minded individuals who share your vision and can help you achieve your goals. Otherwise, you will quickly find yourself overwhelmed and underperforming.
Know your team. Understand their strengths and abilities and assign them tasks accordingly. Follow up on their progress by meeting with them consistently to ensure everyone is on the same page and making progress. Ultimately, you’ll not only build their confidence and leadership skills, you’ll build a stronger team and company culture.
3. Be collaborative
If you’ve ever played a sport, you know what it means to be part of a team. You rely on each other. You have each other’s backs. You hammer out your game plan together, celebrate your wins together and devise your comebacks together. It’s just as important to have a collaborative approach to leadership as it naturally creates transparency in your organization. Because collaboration leads to trust, chances are your team will be there to support you, your vision and your goals.
One way to improve collaboration on your team is by putting others in charge of projects. Give them the encouragement and freedom to build their own road to success. And, when it’s complete, be sure to recognize them and their accomplishments both personally and publicly.
4. Accountability
When you hold your team accountable for their own decisions, work and results, the effectiveness of your organization greatly increases. Accountability empowers employees and gives them a sense of leadership. By giving your team the freedom to be responsible decisionmakers, we’re ultimately building them up to be future leaders within the organization—a win-win for everyone.
Strategic leaders are consistently looking forward, anticipating needs, and preparing for new goals tomorrow. And, as we’ve seen, they’re also continually grooming the organization’s leaders of tomorrow.
If your organization needs help in finding that next strategic leader—or if you are a strategic leader looking for that next phenomenal career opportunity—Buckman Enochs Coss can get the job done.
