Would you say your leadership style is viewed as trusting, competent, and one that is influential? If yes, Nitkin Nohria would consider that as legitimate leadership (click on his name to see the article).
Naturally, more is needed, such as having followers that align with our vision and goals and the ability to build strong and lasting relationships. When strong relationships exist, there’s generally a sense of loyalty, trust, inclusion, and the ability to provide and receive healthy feedback.
Nohria’s article is geared towards CEOs, but the desired behaviors and actions he provides apply to leaders of any level. Being a legitimate leader requires the following:
Communicate clearly
Help your team understand your organization; what got it to where it is today, your vision for the future, and how each person can contribute to that vision.
Demonstrate fairness
Be caring, just, and impartial; set the tone for others to follow.
Behave with integrity
Ensure what you say aligns with your actions and behaviors; in other words, “walk the talk”!
Show authenticity
Be open about your strengths and weaknesses as well as your successes, challenges, and failures. Be approachable, actively listen to the opinions of others, and solicit feedback.
Put the company first
Show that your interests are secondary to those of the company’s; help others understand why that will lead to more successes and professional (and maybe personal) satisfaction.
Stay grounded
Be real, be humble, show your human side, and display good work/life balance.
Maintain a sense of purpose
Meeting shareholder needs is one thing, but what value is provided to your internal or external customer? Let your team know the value they personally provide, and how and why they are making a difference.
In summary, Nitin Nohria says “authority-based leadership is based on formal power and decision-making rights, and competence-based leadership focuses on performance, legitimacy-based leadership is based on behaviors and actions that inspire others’ trust, respect, and commitment. . . . legitimacy-based leadership is more sustainable and effective in the long run”.
Which style of leadership are you most aligned with? Would a change be beneficial?
Sincerely,
Naturally, more is needed, such as having followers that align with our vision and goals and the ability to build strong and lasting relationships. When strong relationships exist, there’s generally a sense of loyalty, trust, inclusion, and the ability to provide and receive healthy feedback.
Nohria’s article is geared towards CEOs, but the desired behaviors and actions he provides apply to leaders of any level. Being a legitimate leader requires the following:
Communicate clearly
Help your team understand your organization; what got it to where it is today, your vision for the future, and how each person can contribute to that vision.
Demonstrate fairness
Be caring, just, and impartial; set the tone for others to follow.
Behave with integrity
Ensure what you say aligns with your actions and behaviors; in other words, “walk the talk”!
Show authenticity
Be open about your strengths and weaknesses as well as your successes, challenges, and failures. Be approachable, actively listen to the opinions of others, and solicit feedback.
Put the company first
Show that your interests are secondary to those of the company’s; help others understand why that will lead to more successes and professional (and maybe personal) satisfaction.
Stay grounded
Be real, be humble, show your human side, and display good work/life balance.
Maintain a sense of purpose
Meeting shareholder needs is one thing, but what value is provided to your internal or external customer? Let your team know the value they personally provide, and how and why they are making a difference.
In summary, Nitin Nohria says “authority-based leadership is based on formal power and decision-making rights, and competence-based leadership focuses on performance, legitimacy-based leadership is based on behaviors and actions that inspire others’ trust, respect, and commitment. . . . legitimacy-based leadership is more sustainable and effective in the long run”.
Which style of leadership are you most aligned with? Would a change be beneficial?
Sincerely,
Mike and Jan