9 March 2009
Successful Intentions Newsletter
Hi ,
How do you like your porridge?
"Not too hot, not too cold, just right!"
That's the Goldilocks Matrix of leadership.
Most 360-feedback on leadership behaviour will tell you to build on your strengths and limit your weaknesses. But if you do this you may become "too hot" (or "too cold")!
Two dimensions of leadership have dominated the field for the better part of the last century: Self-assertive/task-oriented leadership (Forceful), and empowering/people-oriented leadership (Enabling). These dimensions are referred to as the how of leadership.
Too much whipping and cajoling to get the job done might cause staff to burn out. But then, not enough direction and too much empathic attention might lead to a kindergarten environment!
And then there's the what of leadership. This is typically characterized by the two dimensions of: Planning for the future (Strategic), and focusing on short-term results (Operational).
Always taking the long view and focusing too much on vision could cause a disastrous inattention to business fundamentals. But on the other side, focusing too much on short-term results might cause the organisation to miss important gains in market opportunity and innovation.
Not too hot, not too cold, just right!
The optimum leadership position is in the middle of the "cross-hairs" where you can flexibly respond to what's needed most. Over-developing your strengths in any of these dimensions could cause your leadership style to be lopsided.
, download your copy of the Goldilocks Matrix chart. To find out more about your leadership style and how to develop the skills to "re-balance", go to the Managing Team Performance program for tailored, cost-effective training modules.
Register here for a FREE breakfast event at the Observatory Hotel in Sydney on March 25th, 7am-9am: "High-Energy Teams are No Accident! Getting the best from teams in challenging conditions" - theory and practice of how to revitalise a team that's stuck or transform a working group into a high-energy team, including a corporate case study.
And I invite you to join my new "Wisdom Circle" blog for thoughts and observations on everyday wisdom!
Keep your intentions clear,
Peter Webb
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