Behind every high-performing organization is an influential leader who is keenly aware of how thought habits drive individual behaviour, and how behaviour habits affect those with whom you work. And, whether formally trained or not, this influential leader knows the power of positive human energy to drive strength-giving workplace behaviours. This finding emphasizes one simple truth: influential leaders with a deep sense of behavioural-awareness not only can close the performance gap but can also inspire others to make a difference in the work they do every day.
State-of-the-art equipment, technical and operational expertise, and use of proven quality improvement methodologies (e.g., benchmarking, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing) are merely tools that help leaders, but on their own they cannot bring about a performance driven culture. The key to performance excellence, as research continues to reveal, remains to be a unique leader awareness of one’s self and of the impact they have on those they lead.
In many organizations at mid-level leadership levels, particularly in not-for-profit and public organizations, when asked “Where did you learn how to be a leader? “, the answer will reveal very little, if any, formal leadership training and development. This is really not surprising. Many leaders of today came into their titled positions by being exemplary employees with outstanding technical skills, and moved successfully through progressive levels of management. These former “front-liners” were exceptional at their day-to-day responsibilities and were rewarded a promotion to management level positions with little or no training (formal or informal) or experience in leadership and management. It’s an unfortunate truth that very few organizations will or can justify the investment of the time and/or money necessary to develop and prepare these, their most capable employees, for leadership positions. The hope being that leadership qualities will ‘trickle down’ from the top – not so.
Implementing a business improving process of Positive Presence is a simple and effective way to bring leadership training to mid-level and front-line leaders. Not only is it a tested world-level program of traditional management competencies, it is a journey of awareness, relationships and organizational connection that will bring the human element of organizational performance to the forefront of success in today’s knowledge economy. It is a new way of thinking and being that is cost efficient in every way.
CORPORATE HARMONY is grateful to Dr. Michael E. Frisina for his contributions to this entry.
Catherine is the President and CEO of CORPORATE HARMONY, providing virtual solutions for leadership development and organizational culture change. Her leadership and coaching experience as a Project Manager in an ever-changing, fast moving technological organization with unrelenting demands drove her to the realization that a positive mindset and strength-building behaviors are essential for today’s complex and chaotic organizational systems. CORPORATE HARMONY’s virtual platform of programs, coaching and performance measurement, is an innovative online technology of tested proprietary content. The world-class content of CORPORATE HARMONY’s Positive Presence Program develops the skill of ‘Positive Presence’ and the necessary ‘Positive Presence Behaviour Competencies’ for maintaining a positive and energized mindset and increased performance in today’s complex work environment, and leading to a culture of collaboration and connection. Catherine’s vision for Corporate Harmony is to bring the skill of “Positive Presence” to the corporate world as it becomes more complex, ambiguous and chaotic. Catherine is uniquely positioned to impact organizations’ productivity and long term success, with her powerful vision of eliminating bad stress from every workplace around the globe, bringing purpose into the people equation to promote healthy, productive and meaningful work cultures and turn the tide on the neglect of mental health on a global scale. Catherine is author of the book: “CORPORATE HARMONY – The Performance Link for Today’s Modern Organization” Catherine can be reached at: Catherine.Osborne@corporateharmony.ca or go to ‘contact us’ on our website www.corporateharmony.ca. Catherine is available for consultation, and can be reached by 519-695-3407.