The business world is too complex for one person, or even a few people, to deliver all aspects of the organisation’s goals and priorities. It can be a challenge for senior leaders to keep on top of all the elements required to run a successful organisation.
That’s why we think contemporary organisational leadership is all about managing the pursuit of diverse goals through a process of negotiation.
Here are some steps designed to help you set, oversee and meet your goals.
1. Base your goals on diverse knowledge
In order to deliver the best results for your business, liaise with people within and outside your organisation to understand issues affecting your business, industries and external sectors. Harnessing diverse strategic views will help you develop a wider understanding of your own business’ realities, which will help you set pertinent goals that meet business requirements and future-proof your organisation.
2. Keep sight of your vision
You may not have the operational perspective required to ensure seamless delivery, so it’s vital that you trust your employees and give them the time and freedom required to inform you of the actions that will help you meet your goals using their own knowledge. You will need to communicate the overall vision clearly and passionately to your team so they can implement it in their day-to-day work.
3. Revisit your idea of teamwork
Evaluate how teams work within your business, and if they’re not collaborating in the most efficient manner towards your goals, be prepared to confront the traditional ‘team’ framework. Look at what's required to meet your objectives and ensure functional and operational managers organise workloads in the smartest way according to these deliverables.
4. Maintain strong relationships
It’s unlikely people will feel inspired to meet the goals you set unless you have good relationships with them. Within the fast-paced business world, day-to-day priorities may take over, therefore, it is important to engage them with your strategy. One way to do this is to be receptive to feedback; if operational employees feel there’s an issue with your goals, be open to being challenged so they feel more relevant across the workforce. In other words, you must at times be open to being led by those below.
What next?
Cranfield's General Management Portfolio of programmes offers comprehensive leadership development to take you to the next level at every stage of your career.
Each of our three programmes offer a comprehensive and integrated personal development experience for managers at critical transition points in their leadership career.
Talent Development Programme - for early career professionals with high managerial potential.
General Management Programme - for senior managers who are expanding their responsibilities.
Breakthrough Leadership Programme - for executives and directors who are preparing their organisation for the future.
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