In the realm of leadership and organisational transformation, it has become evident that having a well-crafted strategy, defined goals, and clear Key Results (OKRs) are not sufficient for success. To truly empower and engage people, leaders must embrace the importance of the “how.”
Going Beyond the Basics
In traditional leadership approaches, the focus often lies heavily on crafting strategic plans and defining goals. While these elements are crucial, they only scratch the surface of what is needed to truly transform an organisation. Leaders must recognise that the “how” encompasses the process, the culture, and the way people work together to achieve objectives.
Empowerment Requires Effort
Contrary to what might seem intuitive, empowering people requires more effort from leaders, not less. It involves creating an environment where individuals feel valued and connected to the larger purpose. This requires investing time and energy in building relationships, providing support, and fostering a culture of collaboration. By dedicating themselves to empowering their teams, leaders pave the way for success in the transformational journey.
Zooming-In and Zooming-Out
Transformational leadership requires leaders to continuously zoom-in and zoom-out, finding the right balance between big-picture vision and individual contributions. It involves cascading overarching goals down to the individual level, ensuring alignment and clarity throughout the organisation. By breaking down goals and setting up a cadence for progress, leaders enable teams to understand their role in the larger context, fostering a sense of purpose and collective effort.
From Strategy to Action
Having a well-crafted strategy is not the destination; it is merely the starting point for true leadership. Leaders must go beyond the strategy document and actively engage in translating it into action. This involves providing guidance, removing obstacles, and continuously communicating the “why” and “how” behind the strategy. By taking an active role in the execution phase, leaders inspire their teams and bring the strategy to life.
Unleashing the Power of Collaboration
Transformational leadership recognises that collaboration is a powerful force for achieving meaningful outcomes. Leaders must foster an environment where collaboration is encouraged, and individuals are empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. By creating spaces for open dialogue, cross-functional collaboration, and knowledge sharing, leaders harness the collective intelligence of the organisation, driving innovation and progress.
The Journey of True Leadership
Leadership in transformation is an ongoing journey, not a destination. It requires leaders to continuously evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, while always keeping an eye on the “how.” Leaders who embrace the power of the “how” understand that it is through their actions, behaviours, and the way they lead that they inspire others to excel and drive true transformation.
To embark on a successful transformational journey, leaders must go beyond strategy and goals and embrace the importance of the “how.” By empowering individuals, fostering collaboration, and continuously communicating the “why” and “how” behind the vision, leaders create an environment where transformation happens. Transformational change requires you not to focus only on the destination but also on the path you pave along the way.
