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Setting Senior Leaders Up For Success
Cathie Leimbach • August 20, 2024
Over 35% of new CEOs fail within 18 months. Those who succeed often exhibit these five leadership mindsets:
- Future-Focused: Successful leaders look to the future and help others handle the discomfort of change. They prepare their team for disruptions and guide them through transitions.
- Customer Relevance: They ensure that the company's products and services remain relevant for customers and society. They keep an eye on trends and adjust offerings to meet evolving demands.
- Adaptability: They adjust the work and culture of the company to meet changing needs. Flexibility and willingness to evolve are key to staying competitive.
- Collaborative Leadership: They work collaboratively, valuing input from others. This approach leads to more informed decision-making and stronger team support.
- Balancing Profit and People: They balance profit with human needs, aiming for a sustainable future. They understand that long-term success involves caring for both the business and its people.
Adopting these mindsets sets senior leaders up for success, helping them navigate challenges and lead their companies for ongoing success.
Based on “Four Cs of Effective Conversation” - The Ohio State University Leadership Center. Ever walked out of a meeting thinking everything was settled, only to realize later that key actions didn’t happen, or alignment was off? That’s because effective conversations require four key elements: clarity, candor, commitment, and completion. Clarity: Make Sure Everyone’s on the Same Page Miscommunication is one of the biggest productivity killers. It’s easy to assume people understand what’s being said, but without clear expectations, mistakes happen. Take the time to check for understanding—what’s obvious to you might not be obvious to everyone else. Candor: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say Honest, direct conversations build strong teams. When people hold back their real thoughts or concerns, issues fester, and progress stalls. Creating a culture of candor—where people feel safe to speak openly—makes teams more effective and relationships stronger. Commitment: Get Specific About Next Steps A vague “I’ll handle it” often leads to dropped balls. When commitments are specific—who will do what by when—things actually get done. Leaders sometimes hesitate to ask for deadlines, fearing it feels like micromanagement, but clear commitments drive accountability without overstepping. Completion: Don’t Move On Too Soon Before wrapping up a discussion, check that everything’s been addressed. Did we answer all key questions? Does everyone know what happens next? Ensuring a topic is fully covered prevents confusion later and keeps teams aligned. Mastering these four Cs can turn routine workplace conversations into powerful tools for productivity and collaboration.
Today's workplaces are changing, and managers play a key role in increasing workplace morale and productivity. Research shows that managers impact 70% of what affects how engaged and effective employees are. Surveys show many employees are dissatisfied. They say that expectations are unclear, they don’t feel respected by management, they don’t get enough training, and they don't see how their work matters. With the increasing number of seniors and fewer people in the workforce, increased productivity is essential. Strong leadership is more important than ever. Managers need to develop skills to help their teams succeed. This includes: • Setting clear goals, • Showing appreciation, • Providing good training, and • Helping employees see the purpose of their work. The innovative Conversational Management program helps managers build these leadership skills. It focuses on the leadership practices which boost engagement and productivity. Managers can participate in a virtual Test Drive to see how these strategies can improve teamwork and performance. If you want better results and productivity, REGISTER HERE to join a Test Drive and learn about this highly effective leadership approach!