A critical problem in management generally is scarcity of leaders who possess the necessary ‘Influential Leadership’ behaviours (the ‘mechanics’ or ‘tactical capacity’) that propel organizations to greatness and guide them through significant challenges. There are plenty of managers and leaders who possess superb technical, operational and financial skills and an acute understanding of system processes. But what is lacking are managers and leaders who have a deep understanding of the critical link between behaviour skills and performance excellence, and who have been trained in the skill of Positive Presence — to create within themselves the necessary positive human energy and thought patterns for effective and productive workplace behaviours.
Effective leadership development is hands on, and cannot be lecture-oriented or discussion-based alone. Coaching is a logical adjunct to the academic element of the learning environment. Learned concepts can be practiced, applied to actual situations, and repeated until mastered. Feedback on performance is imperative for continued growth and performance outcomes. Performance indicators always provide the answer to the return on investment for training and development at the end of the day.
When behaviour is identified as a critical piece of the performance equation – and studies of corporate success stories have proven its relevance time and time again – it means that behaviour skills must become part of the organizational total quality management plan.
Just as we manage any process and skill for continuous improvement – so too, we need to build individual behaviour processes for improvement through continuous feedback unique to your organization, unique to your team, and unique to each and every individual.
CORPORATE HARMONY is grateful to Dr. Michael E. Frisina for his contributions to this entry.
