Leaders, directors, managers, what is the difference?
Whilst directors direct and managers manage, great leaders inspire and help their people to think the impossible and achieve the unachievable, writes Nikki King OBE, CEO of Isuzu Truck UK Limited in the FSB magazine.
Directors direct managers to jump over a cliff, managers decide how they are going to do it. Great leaders say: "Believe me, this is the right thing to do and I will jump first and catch you when you fall," says Nikki
Nikki believes that the first thing great leaders have in common is vision. A clear idea of how and where they are going, why they need to go there and what needs to be done to reach thrie goal. They have the ability to communicate that vision and engage others so they believe it is their vision too. Then comes the passion. Great leaders are always passionate about their vision and communicate that passion in everything they do and say. They also have the capacity to be flexible and pragmatic, knowing that sometimes outside influences will effect strategy but they never lose sight of the original aim.
Recognise Weaknessess
One of the most important leadership qualities is to recognise your weaknesses and to ensure that you surround yourself with people who can fill your shortcomings. Keep that vision simple A complicated vision makes it almost impossible to achieve and totally confusing for everyone involved.
Her vision for the company when she began in 1996 was that they would go to market on the unique selling point of customer service. "We've won awards for it since. Our culture is totally focused on this vision; I am boring on the subject. All of our staff are trained in customer care and all of our customers have my home phone number. They can call me if there is a problem - and none of my staff wants a customer to call me at home. Be pragmatic, the world is changing fast and the speed of communication brings its own challenges. Interpersonal rapport is vitally important and builds strong relationships with your people and helps you to inspire them.
Closely watch what is happening around you. Admit if you are wrong or make a mistake but have a new game plan ready for action. Learn from your mistakes, but never look back. Always listen to others."
