Dr. Jason’s Speak Life™ Newsletter – Volume 7 Issue 9
Inside This Issue
• Adopting the Appropriate Leadership Style Within Your Organization
• Message from the President
• Consulting Focus: Navigating The Changing Business Landscape
• Industry Perspectives
Adopting the Appropriate Leadership Style Within Your Organization
Leaders are people, and people have differing styles of leadership. Generally, leaders fall into three main categories—autocratic, free-reign or democratic. However, leaders rarely fit into just one of these categories. Which leadership style is best largely depends on the goals and values of the organization and the particular situation.
An autocratic leader makes managerial decisions without consulting others. This style is effective in emergency situations and when absolute followership is necessary. An example of this would be during a fire. Coaches and managers of professional sports teams often use this leadership style with their players.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, a free-reign leader sets objectives, and followers are free to do what is appropriate to meet those objectives. This style is often most effective when managing professionals such as doctors, engineers and professors.
In the middle of the leadership continuum is the democratic or participative leader. He or she works with followers to make decisions together. Employees are given an opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process. This often leads to increased job satisfaction.
No one leadership style works best in all situations. It is important to know when to adopt the appropriate leadership style for the environment or situation you are facing. Consider the following questions:
What type of a leader are you?
Are you providing the best model for your followers?
How would your organization be if all leaders were like you?
In what ways can you adapt your leadership style?
A successful leader in one setting may not be successful at all in a different environment. A key to successful leadership is the ability to adopt the most appropriate leadership style to the situation and followers.
Message from the President
“You have the choice to face that opportunity with fear or with excitement.”
Back-to-school time is upon us. Backpacks are being loaded, students are standing on sidewalks waiting for the arrival of their school bus, and teachers are preparing lesson plans to present to awaiting learners. This time of year is often a time of great anticipation. Students, parents and teachers alike, are looking forward to the new beginnings a new school year brings.
Students may look forward to the next grade level and all it entails. Teachers may look forward to a new “crop” of learners. Parents may anticipate the future empty nest. Whatever the case, back-to-school is a period of new beginnings. With a new beginning comes the opportunity to experience something you have never seen or experienced before. You have the choice to face that opportunity with fear or with excitement. Choose the second option and watch your future lighten up before your eyes.
Your days of schooling may be over, but learning should never end. It must be a lifetime pursuit. Face the challenge of your new beginning. Use the opportunity to direct your focus on the most important things for you, your family and your organization.
Consulting Focus: Navigating The Changing Business Landscape
The business environment of today is much different than it was only five or ten years ago. One of the major factors influencing this change is technology. Technology has created a brand new way of conducting business. In order for organizations to remain competitive, they must adopt technologies that will keep them a step ahead of the industry standards. Technology is allowing employees to work from home or any remote location. Mobile devices, email, chat services and video conferencing reduce the need for frequent traveling for meetings and conferences.
The social trend is another factor in the changing landscape. Social media is changing how businesses engage with its customers and employees. Marketplace reactions can be almost instantaneous. Social media is also changing the way organizations market and provide customer service. Social software is changing enterprise collaboration tools and its changing engagement within business applications.
In addition, emerging markets are changing where and how the world does business. The global marketplace has affected the labor rates for many firms who outsource. Consumers in these countries will also provide a new growth market for global businesses. Opportunities abound, but also competition, as the world has become smaller through technology and the Internet.
These changes will provide businesses with many challenges as well as opportunities. Those organizations that succeed will be the ones who tackle the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities. Leaders must map out a game plan to move their teams forward into this exciting future.
Industry Perspectives
With the expanding global business environment in which organizations find themselves today, engaging an outside consultant is an increasingly viable option. It may be necessary for organizations to explore new markets that were previously unavailable. Inadequate knowledge and experience can be inhibitors to success in these markets. The time and expense that it would take for internal team members to get up to speed on these cultures can also be a deterrent.
A consultant can provide a wide array of experience based on his or her background and exposure in the industry. This can provide a broader perspective when it comes to finding solutions, because the consultant has exposure to different sectors and organizations. A fresh set of eyes is generally welcomed by the organization. As the ancient proverb states, “In the multitude of counselors, there is safety.”