Positive Leadership Approaches As Positive Leaders, we utilize a diverse range of skills in helping our people achieve success. In their best-selling book Passion for Excellence, Tom Peters and Nancy Austin suggest that there are five leadership approaches and effective leaders are masters of each: Our challenge as positive leaders is to know when and how to employ these approaches in order to achieve the best possible outcome for both the individual and the organization. I have found the following to be a helpful guide: EDUCATE TIMING: When goals, roles, or business conditions change; to orient a newcomer; when you are new to a group; when new skills are needed. TONE: Positive, supportive; emphasis on learning and applying specific new knowledge CONSEQUENCES: New skills acquired; confidence increases; perspective on the company or organization is broadened KEY SKILLS: Ability to articulate performance expectations clearly; an eye for recognizing real-life “learning laboratories;” ability and willingness to reinforce learning SPONSOR TIMING: When and individual can make a special contribution; to let an outstanding skill speak for itself TONE: Positive, Enthusiastic; emphasis on long-term development and contribution to the company; future focus; polishing and fine-tuning CONSEQUENCES: Showcase for outstanding skill & contribution; greater experience; promotion KEY SKILLS: De-bureaucratizing; dismantling barriers to performance; ability to develop collegial relationships; willingness to let go of control; willingness to provide access to information and people COACH TIMING: For special encouragement before or after a “first” (e.g. first customer visit, first board meeting); to make simple, brief corrections TONE: Encouraging, enthusiastic, preparatory, explanatory CONSEQUENCES: Enhanced confidence, skills, better performance KEY SKILLS: Ability to express genuine appreciation; ability to listen empathically COUNSEL TIMING: When problems damage performance; after educating and coaching; to respond to setbacks and disappointments and speed recovery CONSEQUENCES: Turnaround; enhanced sense of ownership and accountability; renewed commitment KEY SKILLS: Willingness to listen; ability to give clear and useful feedback CONFRONT TIMING: Persistent performance problems are not resolved; an individual seems unable to meet expectations despite education and counseling TONE: Positive, supportive, firm; clear focus on need to make a decision and time at which decision will be made; calm KEY SKILLS: Listening; ability to give direct, useful feedback; ability to discuss sensitive issues without over-emotionalizing them; willingness to act
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