One of the hottest topics in business recently is the trend towards new methods of leadership. While this may sound very much like a newcomer idea, the fact is all the changes in recent business have put more than a few new pressures on management to perform in ways some veteran bosses aren’t used to. The search for new ways to run the company has helped them discover some interesting approaches, and it likely won’t be long before some of these ideas begin paying dividends of one kind or another.
Leadership Itself
A re-discovery of the concept of leadership has been one of the most profound events in this new push. Many companies have found themselves fortunate enough to employ veterans in both employee and management roles, and in the process have put some people who lived and breathed leadership throughout their military career in positions where they can provide tremendous value to the organization. The results are about what you would expect, and often include a commitment to values like excellence and scholarship in all facets of the enterprise.
Teaching Leadership
Most would agree the fastest way to learn something is to teach it. Encouraging management to help turn their employees into leaders can pay enormous dividends over time. While some companies prefer the ego-driven centralized management approach, efficient organizations know a truly valuable employee is one who can make decisions and back them up on the ground. This is the core principle of leadership and it helps maintain a sense of integrity and teamwork among groups tasked with helping grow the organization.
Inspiring Stakeholders
Leaders and people who understand leadership are often inspiring. Customers are more likely to support a business that is clearly leading by example and by achievement. Vendors like to work with managers and employees who share their values. Positive momentum and energy follow where leadership is present. It is one of the most basic principles of all human society. Properly leveraged, it can create far more value than what is invested to attain it.
Leadership is crucial to all organizations. It forms the basis for desirable education, it creates its own incentives and it helps employees at all experience levels become better at their jobs and better team members. Of all the things a business can invest in, leadership education should be at the top of the list.