MBS Inspiration
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The MBS Group
is one of the world’s leading executive search firms operating exclusively in Retail, Consumer and relevant technologies, and the most successful sector-specialist firm in the UK
Passion, Purpose and People: Building a Business Through Authentic Leadership
Many of the current issues in business and in the wider world have underscored the need for a different kind of leader for the 21st century. The notion of authentic leadership i.e. being your own person, knowing your purpose, and acting in a consistent and courageous way, as the only way to achieve successful business results over a sustained period of time is rapidly gaining ground.
The MBS Group hosted a discussion breakfast with John Beard, CEO for Whyte & Mackay, in Glasgow this November, on this topic.
We started by discussing how leaders can exploit their individuality to encourage teams to follow them; and how companies can encourage and develop authentic leaders.
There are instances some argue, when authentic leadership can be detrimental to a business – particularly as most organisational structures encourage conformity rather than courage and self-exploration. In that context, how can leaders effectively manage those tensions inherent in authentic leadership?
These are some of the things we learnt:
1. Communicate your vision – and be clear about what your expectations are.
2. Reassess your attitude to failure – and start seeing it as an enabler of future success.
3. No news is bad news – keep telling your people what you are doing, involve them and give them the opportunity to respond to plans.
4. Connect and listen – you cannot dictate how people relate to each other but you can and should lead by example.
5. Duality, not duplicity – a good leader knows how to get close to people, but also maintain the distance when needed, and does so without losing trust.
6. Embrace risk – authentic leaders often take personal risks and go through the toughest challenges.
7. Put the ‘self’ back into development – let people choose what they want to do as long as it helps shape their careers and overall life experience.
8. Make space for individuality – standardisation can lead to a style of leadership that is unimaginative, predictable and lacks sophistication.
9. Know where you come from and share your own experiences – it will help you connect with those around you and give the business a renewed sense of purpose.
10. Understand global – Western notions of ‘authenticity’ can differ greatly from those in other parts of the world. Bear this in mind when working in a global context.
Category:
Event: Panel debate
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