Leadership, December 2016 pg 112 and 113
Whether you are revered or reviled as a leader the basics of leadership are clearly the same. The myriad of business books, workshops, courses and advisors go on about the importance of a vision, determination and consistency of message. It wasn’t until the recent presidential election in the United States of America, that these ideals were proved beyond any doubt.
In one week, two significant events occurred in America. The country’s politics were turned on its head with the election of Donald Trump as its 45th president, while in the business sphere Mark Zuckerberg was nominated Fortune’s Businessperson of the year. These are two very different individuals in leadership positions who have made history in unique ways. Their approach to achieving their success was, however, quite similar.
Both set audacious goals, the one to run America, the other to socially connect the world through technology. Once they knew what it was that they wanted to achieve, they had a laser focus on reaching that goal; everything that they said and did edged them closer to achieving their objectives and no distractions deterred them from their mission.
An organisation’s reputation starts with its leaders setting the right tone for the rest of the business. This can only be done when there is a very clear strategic intent and understanding of what the business’ core purpose is, as well as what the underlying values are in achieving those goals. This is the golden thread that will need to be communicated to all the different stakeholders internally and externally to the organisation.
It is not just about communication, it is about walking the talk; and delivering on promises made, i.e. consistency of messages and actions. Even though the message presented by both the president-elect and Zuckerberg were completely different, they both communicated their ideals consistently.
Another important aspect that impacts an organisation’s reputation is its strategic alliances; who you associate yourself with impacts your reputation. A shared vision and core values are important for any organisation as it allows people to understand where you are going, encouraging continuous support and help in achieving your end result.
South Africans can draw many valuable lessons from the recent leadership examples in America. I think it is safe to say that our own leadership has impacted our country’s reputation. I find it sad when talented individuals emigrate due to the crime and corruption rife within South Africa. What annoys me is when these individuals comment on various social media platforms from abroad on how the country should be ruled. Leaving the country does not solve anything.
We all need to become the leaders of our own lives. What are the lessons that we can take heed of?
Setting audacious goals: what would happen if we all, as South African citizens, had the daring goal of focussing on being the best possible citizen / business owner / employee that we could be?
Consistent actions and messages: every day we need to tenaciously work towards achieving our goals, not allowing ourselves to be distracted for one moment from the end goal of being the best possible version of ourselves that we can be. What would that do for our society, country and own reputation?
We need to be the leaders of our own destiny. So, as we wrap up this year and strategize for next year, let us not be complacent, let us be bold in our actions and set the examples we wish that our leaders had set for us.
Keen to continue the reputation conversation? Join Regine on Twitter @ReputationIsKey or Facebook
www.facebook.com/yourreputationmatters.
