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The 3 Vital Leadership
Transitions

Word Count: 531

Character Width: 60


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"The 3 Vital Leadership Transitions"

    - by Simon Hazeldine MSc BA (Hons) FInstSMM
 

(c) Simon Hazeldine. All Rights Reserved.


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THE 3 VITAL LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS


What are the transitions that a leader goes through as they
rise up these leadership levels?

As you move to more senior leadership positions the demands
placed upon you as a leader will change.  What was effective
leadership at one level will not be sufficient at a more
senior level.

Indeed, in certain cirumstances what makes you effective
at one level may make you innefective at another level.

As a leader you need to be aware of this and the changes
you need to make in your approach and focus as a leader.

Some of these transitions are:

The transition from informal leader to people leader:

•    You will need to stop doing everything yourself

•    You will need to spend time communicating with your
    team

•    You will need to spend time coaching and developing
    your teams.

•    You will need to shift from identifying with
    employees to identifying with the management of an
    organisation.

•    You may need to ensure the implementation of and
    compliance with policies and procedures that are
    unpopular.

•    You may have to make tough decisions that involve
    and impact people who used to be your peers and/or
    friends.

The transition from people leader to operational leader:


•    You will need to understand that you are still
    leading people but that this is no longer so “hands
    on”

•    Your perspective and focus has to expand from front
    line tasks to broader a operational perspective.

•    You will need to guard against ‘micro-managing
    tasks’ as this can have a negative impact on the
    people you are leading.

•    You need to begin thinking more systemically about
    your operational responsibilities and the people you
     are leading. 

•    You will probably be called upon to input into and
    feedback upon some strategic decisions

•    You will need to focus on improving entire processes
     to improve effectiveness

•    You will need to focus upon the development of your
    people and the need to have sufficient talented
    people in your area of responsibility both now and
    in the future.

The transition from operational leader to strategic leader:

•    You will need to make a major shift in your time
    frame as your frame of reference will need to be
    much further into the future than it has been
    previously

•    You will need to focus on the overall direction of
    your organisation and the market and competitive
    environment it does operate in, and will operate in,
    in the future.

•    You will need to focus on the shape, structure and
    culture your organisation will need to have in the
    future. 

•    You will need to develop long term business plans
    that will enable strategies to be met

•    You need to understand that some behaviour that was
    required at lower leadership levels now may actually
     be a handicap e.g. taking few risks, focussing on
    detail.

•    You will need to make bigger decisions and to cope
    with increasing levels of ambiguity and paradox.


You need to consider:

At what level of leadership are you operating? 

At what level(s) will you be operating in the future?

What do you need to do both now and in the future to ensure
that are being an effective leader?

“Leadership must be present at all levels in the
organisation”
Tom Peters