Not everyone who is promoted to a managerial role is an effective leader. Leadership requires an ability to think and act strategically, says Dr Geoff Lorigan.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.
If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
Nelson Mandela
I recently went to the branch of a major retail chain to look for a new bed for our guest room. Michael, the customer services chap, came as a bit of a surprise. First because of his age – he looked to me to be in his mid-70s.. Second, because of his appearance – he was well dressed (sported a narrow retro tie) and projected a friendly yet professional persona.
When I first started out after leaving high school I worked in the Lab at the Auckland Milk Corporation. One of my key roles was to propagate what we called Bulg and Therm. Bulg’s proper name was Lactibacillus bulgaricus. Therm was Streptococcus Thermophilus. Collectively they were known as the culture that miraculously transformed milk into Fresh n’ Fruity and Meadow Fresh yoghurts.
A quantum leap can take you to high places where you can make your mark, gain a strategic view, and influence widely and wisely … making a difference not only to yourself and your Organisation, but also to the lives of many others.