The importance of leading from the front can never be underestimated.
Ireland is currently in the throes of a leadership battle. Sure, the arguments in the media tend to focus on candidates’ political, legal or social prowess. But the jury is undoubtedly unanimous in the belief that what Ireland needs in a President is a leader.
The climate in which this debate rages however, is terse. Whilst The Institute of Leadership & Management has conducted research that finds trust in CEOs marginally higher than previous years, there is still a gap between employees trust in their line manager and trust in their CEO [1].
The deficit in leadership qualities is evident in the commentary on the issue, as case after case is cited as testament to where Ireland’s leaders – in business and public life – are failing their audiences.
Trust is a key element of good leadership but is arguably thin on the ground at the moment. A look at the antecedents of trust – ability, understanding, fairness, integrity and consistency – explains why this is the case. Trust is not an acquirable commodity, but rather must be earned by leaders, and sustained through their actions.
Harvard Business Review also suggests there’s a need for maturity in leaders [2]. This is not about being ageist, but accepting the truism that age equates to experience. And experience matters.
On this point let’s be clear, where experience may be lacking it is critical that support is sought and taken. And from where and from whom leaders take advice is of paramount importance.
We are a nation of talkers but not necessarily walkers. Consultants abound and the leaders of today and tomorrow need to be selective in the counsel they keep. One option is to find a mentor or “personal board of directors” – an individual or group of individuals from whom valued and valuable opinion can be gleaned, and with whom you can sound out your views and options.
Good leaders know that, contrary to being an indication of weakness, seeking out advice is actually a sign of wise and stealthy leadership.
SH
[1] www.i-l-m.com/research-and-comment/trust-business.aspx
[2] http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2011/10/we_need_more_mature_leaders.html