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Leadership means ownership

Posted on December 11, 2008 by executivecoachingguru


Structures are flatter without the obvious lines of control that have enabled people to rely on the system to ensure that the job gets done.

In the matrix system of the modern commercial world there is an ever increasing need for individuals to take ownership of their own space and areas of influence. The traditional hierarchies of command and control that once ensured that everyone new who was in charge of a project is increasingly being replaced by virtual teams that morph ongoingly during the lifetime of a project; often with project originators not being at the completion stage.

Leadership is not just about the sponsorship of a given project but about the ownership of ones own contribution; I see a lot of Teflon coated activity where senior leaders attach, detach, engage, disengage where they feel there is political value.

The current economic climate separates the disaffected from the ‘engaged and committed’ as many executives play a game of self preservation.  The willingness to put your name to anything you touch demonstrates a leader who connects with all activities they are connected with, as opposed to selecting the ones that ‘always shine.’ 

When I work with senior executives, I often have the opportunity to review 360 feedback, employee surveys and interview staff and colleagues this often tells me that people are incredibly sensitive to the way in which leaders attach or detach themselves to projects in a way that is designed as career management as opposed to the needs of the business.

The executive coaching guru’s advice: If you touch it, show ownership of it!

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3 Responses

  1. Jon Warner, on December 21, 2008 at 12:51 am Said:

    I agree with the comment “I see a lot of Teflon coated activity where senior leaders attach, detach, engage, disengage where they feel there is political value”. As executive coaches I think we have a role in steering executives to be have more “skin in the game” at times so that they can gain the full learning expereince, even when things may not go quite according to plan
    Dr Jon Warner

  2. Jean Maslanka Kelley, on January 17, 2009 at 10:58 pm Said:

    What a great quote: “If you touch something own it.” Also like your comments about “engaged” and “committed.”
    Jean Maslanka Kelley
    Executive Coach

  3. Anton C. Muhadly, on May 27, 2009 at 9:46 am Said:

    We also need recognize our personal leadership strengths and develop the capacity to be effective in a wide range of circumstances and environments.

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