Core Responsibilities of Corporate Leaders

The core responsibilities of corporate leaders include: * Owning the vision and the strategy to realize the vision;
* Communicating the vision to insiders and outsiders;
* Enabling others to act to realize the vision;
* Developing new leaders.
1. Owning the Vision: Vision is our concept of the future of our business. Most of us experience our mental representations as images. When we think, or imagine, or conceive, what the future will be like, we tend to see it. It is our “vision”. Vision is how we perceive and experience the future of our company right now. Another way to describe the vision is to call it "The Future”. A powerfully held and shared vision energizes and inspires people. By giving them a sense of their future - it provides a "place to go" or a purpose. It draws people forward like iron filings to a magnet. Vision is the vital catalyst that multiplies the efforts people put into their work, and intensifies/magnifies/ augments/ expands/enlarges the effect or those efforts.
2. Communicating the Vision: Leader's job is to communicate the vision and help people take it on as their own. By successfully transforming our vision into a shared vision, we empower our employees - they see themselves inside of it, to see the future described as their future. The vision is now a source of magic - when people see themselves living an inspiring future, they take action consistent with transforming that vision of the future into a reality. Right now, in the present. People become self-inspiring when they own the vision.
3. Enable others to act: Leader provides opportunities for people to act to realize the vision. First off, have people spend 100% of their time on work that is aligned with the company vision. Ask the question "Is this or that project moving us toward our designated future?" If not, kill it - immediately.
4. Encourage C.R.I.B.:* Creativity - Rarely will same-old thinking foster a bright new future. Get your organization look outside the box. What new approaches can you take? What new technology can you apply?
* Risk taking - Don't punish failure. Silicon Valley venture capitalists actually reward failure. A failed business venture is regarded as a badge of courage and a sign of experience and maturity.
* Initiative - Give people permission to do things and launch projects on their own. If you discover someone working on something promising, make sure they get the right resources and funding - and make a big deal out of it.
* Breaking with tradition. Develop new procedures & systems.
5. Develop new leaders: Great leadership ability can develop through practice. If your company embraces C.R.I.B., people will naturally develop the skills of leading. Rotate people through key positions. Ask managers to make decisions on the spot. Replace yourself in as many critical areas as possible. Push decision making further down your organization, and finally, let go!
By forging a vision, promoting it relentlessly, enabling your people to act to bring that vision into reality, and developing you new leaders to replace you, you create great leverage.
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