I participated in countless hours of theory presentations and analysis to earn the credentials necessary to be a candidate for the leadership positions I held. I have read countless books and articles about business and public sector leadership. (Note: I do have a favorite list and will provide that in a subsequent blog entry.) I have been engaged in hundreds of workshops as a participant and instructor. So, when faced with a leadership crises what book do I pick up? Which professors do I call? The truth is that there usually is not time for either. In these times I rely upon memory of my real-life ‘in box’ of past learnings as a result of responses to unique situations–leadership muscle memory.
In retrospect I have identified three stages in my leadership growth journey. Each stage was critical to the development of my "muscle memory" of leadership. While I list the levels separately, my learning was and continues to be integrated across all levels. Maybe my journey will help you in yours.
Level I Developing Individual Competence:
- Developing knowledge about the characteristics of the best leaders through observation and scholarship;
- Developing competence in the technical skills required in the organization i.e., multi-level communication; decision making; strategic vision development, conflict resolution; organizational development, stakeholder participation and engagement, budget development, meeting management, staff selection, delegation strategies, etc;
- Understanding personal strengths and limitations.
Level II Developing Others:
- Attracting, retaining, and building the capacity of the best people for the organization;
- Recognizing and demonstrating that organizational development is inextricably linked to intentionally developing the strengths and capacities of its people;
- Implementing quality operating systems and processes;
- Building the relationships and practices required for the operation of highly functional teams;
- Implementing decision making structures reflective of organizational needs;
- Establishing a culture of trust and accountability.
Level III Developing System Integrity
- Reliance on the interdependence and commitment of components of the system to the mission of the organization;
- Understanding the impact of external forces to the organization and its systems;
- Development of partnerships of mutual benefit with external individuals and organizations;
- Implementing the discipline of data-informed, mission driven action;
- Understanding of how all of the individual and team work creates results that exceed client/customer expectations
The muscle memory to respond quickly when necessary — and with integrity — always came from the crucible containing a knowledge of self; trust and reliance on others; and belief in a system mission and vision that guides not only long range plans and action but also all emergency responses.