5 proven tips for executive leaders to manage senior leaders effectively, make a lasting impact, and mold the future of the organization.
Identifying and developing leaders within an organization is a unique and underrated privilege. In fact, leaders of other leaders play a direct role in molding and mentoring the future of the company and influencing organizational change.
Leaders of other leaders, however, must be credible and trusted by those they lead if they are to be successful in driving change innovation. Dynamic leaders have unique personality traits and embody a number of different work styles, so it’s critical for any leader of other leaders to know how to best foster these relationships to effectively develop the leaders who look up to them.
Conversely, executive leaders who spend too much time entrenched in day-to-day responsibilities run the risk of losing relevancy and a grip on reality—which is where their direct reports, also high-powered leaders, can be uniquely helpful in myriad ways.
Here are 5 ways top-tiered leaders can lead other leaders and ensure future success.
5 Tips for Leading Leaders
1. Treat your leaders like leaders.
Successful management and leadership are critical in these times of complexity and quick evolution as organizations are still grappling with post-pandemic workforce challenges. But while it goes without saying that effective management is vital in the day-to-day operation of an organization, it is not enough to help an organization move toward its vision. In the past, managers were taught to focus on goal setting, strategy, and motivating and mentoring employees. While all of these activities are important, they are not enough to help managers also be leaders of other multi-dimensional, dedicated leaders. Treating your leaders like leaders is the first step to being a transformational leader yourself. Leaders of other leaders can do this by:
Communicating assertively but empathetically to others, regardless of position or authority
Asking questions to learn more about what they really feel or believe (inquiring before advocating)
Harnessing the power of accountability (holding leaders accountable for promises they made or tasks they committed to)
Providing quality feedback to further develop them as future leaders
2. Set a standard of transparency and humility.
There are certain things that humble, transparent leaders do that set them apart from their peers: they do ask for help, they don’t act like they know it all or have all the answers, and they do admit their mistakes. On the one hand, this makes them more down-to-earth, trustworthy, and relatable—on the other hand, it shows vulnerability which is one of the biggest challenges in leadership. But as Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage.”
3. Don’t delegate—empower.
Change can be a catalyst for company growth. But oftentimes, resistance to change or delegating tasks to other leaders who are more capable of executing them impede organizational success. The reality is, leaders are not the best at every task they oversee. But by empowering the leaders who report to you effectively, you can focus on the critical tasks you are responsible for: strategy, vision, long-term planning, and more. Set expectations and give direction—and then step aside.
4. Leverage high-performing leaders’ strengths.
The result is twofold: their performance will improve because they are entrusted with tasks in areas wherein they work best and this next-level productivity will no doubt drive business objectives and favorable results for the organization.
5. Focus on continued development for your leaders.
Offer your leaders challenges. Lead with trust by allowing your top leaders to be challenged in their roles. Give them opportunities to show up for the task, no matter how challenging, and be there to guide them along the way or be a safe place to land when they fail.
But most importantly, continue to embody the personality traits that make a great leader—because more than what you say, your future leaders are watching what you do more closely.
Harness Your Leadership Power
If you want to enhance your communication skills as a leader in the post-pandemic workforce or want to reach peak performance as a forward-thinking innovator in Corporate America today, ExecTrek™ can help.
Discover how to zero in on behaviors that can impact business and propel you forward. From communication and time management to decision-making and image optics, RC3 Partners provides transformational Executive Coaching and Leadership Development to leaders seeking their competitive edge. Contact us today to learn more.
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