Strategic Leader and Leadership: Meaning and Qualities - BBA First Semester LU Notes

Classic Skills of Leaders

Effective leadership is built upon timeless principles that transcend time and circumstance. Drawing from the wisdom of ancient philosophers, here are classic skills that define successful leaders.

1. Flexibility in Leadership

"Don’t waste energy in that which you cannot change." – Aristophanes
Successful leaders adopt a flexible approach, recognizing that some factors are beyond their control. Instead of expending energy on unchangeable situations, they focus on adapting and finding solutions within their influence.

2. Self-Knowledge and Responsibility

"Character marks destiny." – Heraclitus
A leader’s character shapes their destiny. Understanding oneself is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders take responsibility for their actions and their outcomes, working persistently towards their goals despite external challenges.

3. Integrity and Honor

"Do not underestimate the power of personal integrity." – Sophocles
True leadership cannot justify unethical behavior. Good leaders prioritize integrity and honor, choosing to uphold their values even in the face of temptation to achieve success through dishonesty.

4. Goal Setting

"Set your goals." – Seneca
Having clear goals is essential for successful navigation. Leaders should define their objectives to maintain direction and purpose, ensuring they can achieve their vision and inspire others to do the same.

5. Pursuit of Truth

"Always seek the truth." – Antisthenes
Honesty is foundational to effective leadership. Leaders should surround themselves with individuals who provide honest feedback, valuing truth over flattery. Embracing the truth allows leaders to make informed decisions and foster trust.

6. Constructive Competitiveness and Creativity

"Competitiveness + Creativity." – Hesiod
Leaders should harness healthy competition that inspires creativity and innovation rather than envy. Encouraging an environment where ideas can flourish enhances leadership effectiveness and drives success.

7. Empowering Others

"Discover people." – Pythagoras
Delegating responsibilities empowers team members and uncovers their innate strengths. By recognizing potential leaders within the team, leaders can cultivate a more dynamic and capable group.

8. Value Protection

"Protect your values." – Aristotle
Leaders must adhere to a strict code of values that guides their decisions and actions. Living in alignment with one’s principles not only strengthens personal integrity but also inspires others to follow suit.

9. Teamwork and Collaboration

"Be a team." – Plato
Fostering a culture of collaboration is crucial. Effective leaders prioritize team dynamics over individual accomplishments, promoting unity and collective effort towards shared goals. The benefits of teamwork far outweigh the drawbacks of discord.

10. Self-Awareness

"Know Yourself." – Thales of Miletus
Self-awareness is a challenging yet essential skill for leaders. Understanding personal motivations and strengths enables leaders to commit fully to their objectives and lead authentically.

Strategic Leader and Leadership: Meaning and Qualities

Strategic Leadership is the ability to influence others to voluntarily make decisions that enhance the prospects for the organization’s long-term success while maintaining short-term financial stability.

Strategic Leadership aims at inspiring others to make those decisions that bring better opportunities for the enterprise’s long-term success, without compromising its short-term financial stability

Strategic Leader

A strategic leader is someone who determines the organization’s strategies and actions and makes every effort to implement it, in an intended manner.

In general, the manager acts as a strategic leader in the organization.

Functions of Strategic Leader

 Setting the direction

 Strategic decision making

 Human capital management

 Translating strategies into actions

 Change Management

 Effective communication within the organization

 Ensuring efforts are made in the right direction.

 Developing strategic competencies.

 Framing policies and plans for the effective implementation of strategic decisions.

Qualities of a Strategic Leader

  1. Open-mindedness: Willing to consider diverse perspectives and ideas.
  2. Foresightedness: Ability to anticipate future trends and challenges.
  3. Accountability: Taking responsibility for decisions and actions.
  4. Risk-taking Ability: Willingness to take calculated risks to seize opportunities.
  5. Influential: Capability to inspire and motivate others.
  6. Discipline: Adhering to principles and maintaining focus on goals.
  7. Endurance: Persistence in pursuing long-term objectives.
  8. Up-to-date: Staying informed about industry trends and innovations.
  9. Self-control: Managing emotions and reactions in various situations.
  10. Self-awareness: Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses.



Roles of a Strategic Leader

  1. Navigator: Identifying key issues and opportunities to steer the organization effectively.
  2. Strategist: Crafting long-term strategies that align with the organization’s vision and mission.
  3. Entrepreneur: Taking calculated risks to explore new opportunities and drive innovation.
  4. Change Agent: Initiating and managing change within the organization, ensuring members understand its importance.
  5. Motivator: Attracting, developing, and retaining talent to enhance organizational capabilities.
  6. Captivator: Inspiring passion and commitment among team members towards shared goals.

Beyond these roles, strategic leaders also serve as visionaries, policymakers, crisis managers, spokespersons, process integrators, mobilizers, and guardians of the enterprise.

0 Comments

We’d love to hear from you!