Lions led by donkeys
OK….. I’m offending most of you! I’m unsure that you would classify your team as lions. I apologise if you are a managerial super hero.
Are you good managers? Are you professional leaders?
Managed by a Board
A board offers diverse expertise, strategic guidance, and accountability, yet differing viewpoints can lead to conflicts. Its structure can ensure effective decision-making but may slow down processes due to consensus-seeking.
Managed by HR
Having HR professionals in leadership roles can bring strong people-management skills, fostering a positive work culture. However, solely HR-led management might overlook broader business strategies and financial considerations, potentially affecting overall company direction and profitability.
Managed by Sales
Sales-oriented leadership can drive revenue growth and customer-centric approaches. Yet, a sole focus on sales might sideline other crucial aspects like product development, employee welfare, or long-term sustainability, potentially leading to short-term gains at the expense of overall business health.
Managed by Operations
Operations-driven leadership emphasises efficiency, streamlining processes, and maximising productivity. However, a strong focus on operations may sometimes hinder innovation or strategic adaptation, potentially limiting the company's ability to respond to market changes or new opportunities.
Managed by Finance
A finance-focused leadership brings strong financial acumen, risk management, and fiscal responsibility, ensuring sound financial health. Yet, an overly finance-oriented approach might undervalue investments in growth or innovation, potentially stifling long-term competitiveness and creative initiatives.
Managed by Marketing
A marketing-driven leadership can create strong branding, customer engagement, and market visibility. However, a sole emphasis on marketing might sometimes prioritise short-term promotional gains over long-term product quality or operational efficiency, potentially impacting sustainable growth.
Managed by a CEO
A CEO should possess strong leadership skills, strategic vision, adaptability, excellent communication, a focus on innovation, the ability to make tough decisions, and a commitment to fostering a positive company culture. Flexibility and a capacity to balance diverse perspectives while staying aligned with the company's goals are also crucial.
You can look to academic visions of management or so called industry best practise.
For me, there is no leadership blueprint and leading a business is more akin to understanding a dysfunctional family. The trick is to get the very best out of everyone.
There is no perfect balance in anything, let alone business management. You are all a collection of individuals with many wonderful skills to bring to the business. You add value. It is the responsibility of the business to bring this forward.
If you are controlling your costs, driving turnover and making a profit you are winning!
If you think things could be better, that internal politics hinders growth, that empire building is a deterrent to staff development, that persistent cost cutting is stifling innovation or that your business has no defined direction, you may want to consider leadership.
