As featured in the article “Making Yourself Indispensable” published in the October 2011 issue of Harvard Business Review.
Recently, Harvard Business Review published an article titled, Making Yourself Indispensible, by Jack Zenger, Joe Folkman and Scott Edinger—co-authors of The Inspiring Leader and principals of the leadership development company, Zenger Folkman.
After years of extensive research, we at Zenger Folkman have identified 16 core leadership competencies that set highly effective leaders apart from the rest. We call these The 16 Differentiating Competencies. Our research proves that if you possess a strength in even one of The 16 Differentiating Competencies, you’re more likely to be perceived as one of the outstanding leaders in your organization. Possess two or three strengths, and you’re on your way to becoming an extraordinary leader.
Over the next 16 days we will open discussions about each of these competencies and how to develop them.
Today’s discussion will focus on the eleventh competency:
11. Builds Relationships
A few behaviors defining This competency
- Deal effectively with people in order to get work accomplished
- By trusted by work group members
- Be approachable and friendly
Do you pleasantly greet people when you meet them in the hall? Do you demonstrate an interest in people and their work? Are you able to handle difficult situations constructively and tactfully?
Building relationships is a behavior that is often avoided by senior management. Many leaders are afraid of making an emotional connection. However, leaders who connect with their reports are able to build strong working relationships. These leaders show people they have time for them by approaching them and talking informally. They get away from their desk and wander around the work area sharing information that may help others, and they don’t eat lunch in their office.
Builds Relationships
Is this a strength or weakness for your leaders?
How has it impacted your career? Organization?
We encourage you to share your thoughts, stories or questions about this competency, below in the comments section.
Tags: 360 assessment, employee engagement, employee productivity, employee satisfaction, extraordinary coach, extraordinary leadership, high performance, human resources, jack zenger, professional development, The Extraordinary Leader
October 27, 2011 at 9:00 am |
[...] you want to build more trust in your organization – or with specific individuals, you must go first. Offer them trust. Be [...]