Every organization needs leadership - there are only two ways to meet the need: hire them or grow your own. The right answer for most organizations is a combination of these two approaches. Today’s Challenge is from a leader who asked, “How do you attract leaders?”
Greatness Hinges on Execution
The best organizations in the world distinguish themselves in the arena of execution. It always has been, and always will be, foundational to long-term sustained greatness. It is really a simple idea: if you cannot execute consistently, greatness will remain a haunting mirage - always in sight, always out of reach.
Set Your Organization Apart
This past weekend I spoke to a group of leaders about how to strengthen the teams in their organization. I chose today's topic: Community. Although the concept of community is at the core of what creates a High Performance Team, it is also one of the twelve best practices to unlock organizational performance.
High Performance Organizations Build the Bench
The Chess Not Checkers project set out to discover the “secrets” of High Performance Organizations (HPO).
Mark Miller and his team spent years to determine what separates the best from all the rest. In the end, they identified four primary “moves” all HPOs make… They Bet on Leadership, Act as One, Win the Heart and Excel at Execution. But, this was not enough; they wanted to know HOW they do these things so well. The answers were found in their “Best Practices.”
After the book, Chess Not Checkers was completed, Mark knew leaders would want the more tactical, application ideas embedded in the best practices. So, his response was to create the Chess Not Checkers Field Guide. Mark asked me to be the co-author on this effort. Below is an excerpt from the Field Guide section on how HPOs Build the Bench!
One of the most underrated best practices you can pursue if you are attempting to Bet on Leadership is to remember to Build the Bench. Sports teams are mindful of this; recognizing at any moment, at every position, someone needs to be ready to move from the role of backup to starter. Whether through turnover or injury, a next-man-up mentality is vital for a program’s success. Business should be no different.
If an organization intends to grow, a key focus of the leadership team must be to Build the Bench. Strong leaders do not have a scarcity mindset, fearing for their jobs if they help their direct reports grow. Actually, the opposite is true. Anytime you find leaders who can replace themselves, they are the last people you want to leave.
[Tweet "The ability to develop talent is one of the most important skills a person can possess."]
Like successful coaches, High Performance Organization leaders not only recruit great talent, they also enhance it. By identifying a clear picture of what they are trying to develop, they are able to create a clear path and close skill gaps that block the way. Organizations who focus on building the bench are also locked in on finding emerging leaders. They are always looking to fill a spot with a talented backup. These teams have development plans for those on the rise, and they systematically challenge everyone in the organization to grow to the next level.
If you truly want to create a leadership culture, don’t forget to build your bench. At some point you will need it, especially if you expect to achieve championship results.
Leadership Begins at Home,
Randy
What are doing to develop your leadership bench?
Comment Below ...
High Performance Organizations Build the Bench
The Chess Not Checkers project set out to discover the "secrets" of High Performance Organizations (HPO). Our team spent years to determine what separates the best from all the rest. In the end, we identified four primary "moves" all HPOs make... They Bet on Leadership, Act as One, Win the Heart and Excel at Execution. But, this was not enough; we wanted to know HOW they do these things so well. The answers lie in their "Best Practices." Today we explore one of those practices - HPOs Build the Bench!
How Do You Build a High Performance Organization?
I was in a planning meeting; we were thinking about the upcoming decade. The question we were wrestling with was this: “What do we want to be true in our organization ten years from now that is not true today?” It was the perfect question to force us to take a hard look at our current reality and stretch us at the same time.
Choose Substance over Shiny
I have a friend who is a professional baseball scout. Although his organization is stocked full of great players, his search for talent is never ending.
But my friend is not looking for just any talent. During our conversations he often reminds me he is searching for the right guy ... one who will be a great organizational fit.
He often passes on what appears to be great talent on paper. Why? Because, baseball games aren’t played on paper.
The best scouts would rather have the right, high-character, guy with good talent, than a highly sought-after star with below-average character.
High performance organizations consistently staff with the right kind of talent. Unless you have a clear profile of what you are looking for, you will likely settle for someone who is shiny.
If you want to gain a true competitive advantage, I encourage you to choose substance over shiny. Remember, the team with the BEST talent has the best chance of winning.
Leadership Begins at Home,
Randy
What character traits do you look for in a potential team member?
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Invest in Something That Will Outlive You
We just finished our annual Leadership Talent Reviews. If you’re not familiar with the idea, it’s a very straightforward concept. The process involves a systematic review of all leaders in an organization.
Today's Challenge: Recruiting Talent
Selecting employees is not the same as recruiting talent. The difference between the two is profound. Today’s Challenge question is one more leaders should consider: How do you recruit talent?
Super Bowl XLVIII - Leadership Lessons from a Blowout
Although Super Bowl XLVIII wasn't much of a game, Seattle's big win over the Broncos provided enough leadership lessons to give you an MBA. Following are my top five observations from the game and a few questions to stimulate your thinking about personal application...
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