In today’s fast-paced VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world) making correct decisions relatively quickly is important. It’s important for all members of the executive team, especially those who might advance to top positions in the company.
Zenger and Folkman address the issue “leadership speed” in Speed: How Leaders Accelerate Successful Execution They created a “speed index” which focuses on the leader’s ability to:
- Spot problems or tends early
- Quickly respond to problems
- Quickly make needed changes
They found that leaders in the top quartile of the index were rated substantially higher in their overall leadership skills – rated at the 83rd percentile on effectiveness; those in the bottom were rated at the 18% percentile. (You can assess yourself at Zengerfolkman.com/speed).
Most important, these leaders displayed eight sets of behaviors which accelerate pace. They are:
- Innovating – a willingness to change; refusing to settle for good enough
- Exhibiting strategic perspective – keeping the focus on high-priority goals and objectives
- Displaying courage – standing up for needed
- Setting stretch goals – focus on ultimate goals and inspire others to try to achieve them
- Communicating powerfully – sharing ideas, encouraging engagement and listening carefully
- Bringing external focus – participate in your and adjacent industries, expose yourself to new ideas
- Taking initiative – with rock-solid integrity and high standards, focus on delivering results
- Possessing knowledge and expertise – constantly be learning for continuous improvement
Are you looking for these behaviors when hiring key executives? Are you seeing superior performance by those who engage in these behaviors? Share your experiences.