Leadership is commonly understood in terms of balancing two basic dualities.
Strategic versus operational leadership defines the “what” of a leader’s work.
Are you positioning your company to be competitive down the road and driving to produce results now? Forceful versus enabling leadership has to do with the “how”. Can you take the lead and make room for other people to contribute?
THE WHAT OF LEADERSHIP
Strategic v Operational
Positioning the organisation Focusing the organisation on
for the future short – term results
Plans ahead v Focuses on results
Takes the long view and has Manages day to day details of
a big – picture perspective of implementation
Pursues growth v Maximises efficiency
Seeks ways to grow the business Conserves resources by cutting
and expand capabilities. costs and being selective about priorities
Promotes innovation v Maintains order
Questions the status quo and Gets things done using procedures
encourages new thinking and processes discipline.
THE HOW OF LEADERSHIP
Forceful v Enabling
Exercising influence on the basis Creating conditions for other
of one’s own intellect and energy people to contribute
Takes charge v Empowers
Takes initiative, gives direction Gives other people latitude to do
their jobs
Declares /decides v Listens /includes
Takes a position and defends it Seeks input, is open to influence
Pushes v Supports
Sets high expectations and holds Shows appreciation and sensitivity
people accountable