vol. XVII no. 2

				Page 4 Page 1 2 3 4 5 WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GREAT LEADER? WAGNER: Great leaders are wonderful developers of other leaders. Standing on the shoulders of the leaders they have developed, they reach new heights. HARDING: Loyalty is a critical component, one that is sometimes overlooked. I'm referring to loyalty earned by the executive or the leadership team that lives the values of the company. I also refer to loyalty to the organization — whether by sticking with it, coming up from the inside or being the role model for the organization. BOYER: I think a leader needs to recruit people with diverse opinions on a variety of subjects. Then listen and pay attention to that diversity. KAISER: Finally, as you wrap these things together, the leader also has to make things actionable — knowing what to do and how to do it and then being decisive. ARE THERE DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED FOR LEADERS OF SMALL VERSUS LARGE COMPANIES? KAISER: One of the key differences, I believe, is where the role of analytics falls. The data says entrepreneurs are likely to fail. Therefore, most entrepreneurs are evangelical in their leadership style because it's against all odds their company will succeed. You can only run a big business analytically after you reach a scale that's beyond some personal span of control. RUF: I think leaders in larger organizations have to know how to deal with bureaucracy. They don't see it as a hindrance to getting work done. They still understand what happens at the front line, and they still understand the customer. BOYER: In smaller organizations, leaders not only set the vision but also help execute the vision. They have to be willing to roll up their sleeves and help get the work done. HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? BOYER: Overly communicative. Making sure — almost to a fault — that my folks understand where we're trying to go and how we're going to get there. KAISER: I've been characterized as a benevolent leader because my style focuses on the success of the team and the individual successes of the people who work for me. I strongly believe the rising tide does float all boats. It's a myth that you claw your way to the top of an organization. A really great leader is carried there by the people in the organization. GRANT: My colleagues describe me as a catalytic influence. I interpret that as meaning I work well across the organization. It's an important trait for a leader to be able to walk in someone else's shoes and see a different perspective. RUF: I'm a teacher and developer of people. I enjoy seeing growth in the people that work for me, and in the long run, it makes my job easier as they are able to take on more, provide better input and become leaders themselves. CAMPANA: I think that creating an environment of teamwork, in developing a "we" culture versus an "I" culture, informs my leadership style. Previous Page | Top | Next Page

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