For over ten years, I had been subscribing to a monthly magazine on Leadership called Executive Excellence. Recently, I recently got a very interesting document from the editors of the magazine in which they summed up the 7 Dimensions of leadership. I would encourage the readers to use these 7 dimensions as a tool to improve performance. At least the document may be a guide for you: to question your leadership skills in different pertinent areas you need to address. I would advise you to subscribe to Executive Excellence.
Just like medical doctors are required to read their medical journals to be kept updated with the development and progress in their fields, I had taken the habit of subscribing to Leadership and other magazines to keep me abreast of my fields of competence.
Years after, I have collected these magazines. As I was a savvy computer fanatic, I have digitally stored a great number of them. My desk top Google search allows me to search & sort them so easily that I am amazed.
I have loads of articles to cover in more details the subjects covered in the 7 dimensions and will be quite willing to share them with you. I am of opinion that by sharing with others, I need to select and read the documents. I am thus doing service to myself whilst possibly igniting the flame in others to grow.
Seven Dimensions of Leadership
Each dimension is represented by a key word, key question, and topics. In
each dimension, you are invited to set a goal and take action. Within the
context of your vision and mission, set at least one goal in each of these seven
dimensions and then focus on the one thing that seems to take priority.
1. Leadership. Where are we going? Key words in the leadership dimension include:
vision, mission, mission statement, leading organizations, strategic planning, future orientation, global reach, trends, power, authority, authenticity, ownership, style, decisions, and challenges.
2. Management. How can we best structure and manage the organization to get there?
Key words in the management dimension include: management systems, information systems, integration, planning, partnering, international alliances, labor-management relations, structure, organization, systems thinking, downsizing, politics, alignment,environment, and finances.
3. People. Who do we need and how do we best motivate them? Key words in the people dimension include: communication, motivation, inspiration, empowerment,teams, relationships, trust, commitment, loyalty, coaching, teamwork, conflict resolution, win-win agreements, feedback, diversity, employee relations, collaboration,work contract, negotiating, problem solving, hiring, firing, influence, persuasion,involvement, accountability, stakeholder relations, women issues, speaking,presenting, cooperation, delegation, incentives, meetings, dialogue, followers,participation, interaction, staffing, and alliance.
4. Competence. What core skills and capabilities do we need to develop in people?
Key words in the competence dimension include: human development, knowledge,workers, continuing education, training, goal setting, life balance, career development,assessment, personal development, executive development, coaching, mentoring,recognition, reward, emotional intelligence, priorities, intellectual capital, time management, education, skill development, mental acuity, stress management, wisdom, self-esteem, listening, health and wellness, action orientation, confidence,happiness, image, identity, writing, self-development, talent, progress, stewardship,initiative, intuition, choice, energy, discipline, and critical thinking.
5. Performance. What product/service standards and growth/results measures matter most? Key words in the performance dimension include: customer satisfaction,quality improvement, service quality, economic value-added, production, process improvement, market position, technology, profit, contribution, peak performance,prevention, excellence, sales, marketing, results, economic growth, speed, leverage,implementation, brands, focus, and drive.
6. Change. What innovations or changes do we need to make to be competitive?
Key words in the change dimension include: innovation, culture, learning, creativity,growth issues, proactivity, reengineering, renewal, response, synergy, restructure,transition, attitude, optimism, risk, option thinking, entrepreneuring, flexibility,expectation, direction predicting, adaptability, turnaround, cycles, redesign, planning,forecasting, and anticipation.
7. Ethics. What do we believe and how do we need to behave and conduct business?
Key words in the ethics dimension include: character building, principles, morality,meaning, caring, purpose, respect, example, standards, faith, spirit, dilemma,inspiration, beliefs, social responsibility, sustainability, and fairness.
Extracted from Executive Excellence
2 comments ↓
I was reading in the High Performance Leadership Manual and there it refers to 6 dimensions in Leadership:
1. Vision and values (Having a vision, Beware aware of currents events, spot problems, be knowledgeable, be decisive and practices values )
2. Direction (Goals setting, Delegation)
3. Persuasion(Self Confidence, Communication,Keeping track of goals, Follow through
4. Support( Keep informed of Progress, Use ressources wisely, Creativity, Time management)
5. Development(Training and coaching, builds team spirit)
6. Appreciation(Praise and positive recignition, respect ideas, opionions of others, use rituals, celebrations)
Thank you Padmini for your comments. That is another way of skinning the cat. Another perspective to view leadership which enhances my vision. To keep on developing the skills is what I am after.
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