There may well be some characteristics of a good leader which are particularly needed in a recession. Whilst no doubt they are valuable both in good and difficult times; it’s during tough times that they can make a particular impact.
To explore the characteristics we will look at five roles that leaders can play, and what characteristics are played out with each role. Each of the roles are part of our uncommon leadership model, which we explore in our blog: What is leadership? An uncommon Practice?
Uncommon Characteristics of a Good Leader: 5 roles
The 5 roles are:
1 Pathfinders
Pathfinder leaders are particularly important during tough times when it is easy to lose focus, or become distracted. Pathfinder leaders do two thing, they:
- Keep everyone on the right track
- Seek out new paths through unpredictable circumstances
Pathfinder leaders demonstrate the following uncommon characteristics of a good leader:
- Seek out new ways to do business
- Hold competing tensions
- Making sense of confusing messages or context
- Optimism
2 Game changers
Game changers find the sense before it becomes common and then crucially make that new sense common sense in their organisation. By doing so they change some of the rules about how things are done. Game changers are particularly important in a recession because they look to turn conventional wisdom on its head. When resources are stretched game changers seek creative combinations to achieve more with less. They are bricoleurs, crafting different uses and solutions from existing stretched resources.
Game changer leaders demonstrate the following uncommon characteristics of a good leader:
- Sense giving
- Seeing flexibility
- Bricoleur
- Resilience
3 Rain makers
Conventionally rain makers are seen as leaders who bring in business opportunities. Here we’re using the term in the sense of leaders who make opportunities happen. They bring opportunities to fruition. They make the business work for your customers.
Rain maker leaders demonstrate the following uncommon characteristics of a good leader:
- Great execution: making things happen
- Confidence tempered with realism
- Connecting customer opportunities to what the business delivers
- Resourceful
4 Bridge builders
Bridge builder leaders keep everything and everyone together. They are great at making connections and holding a sense of togetherness. In the face of tough economic conditions where it is easy for energy to be sapped out of teams, bridge builder leaders are sources of energy.
Bridge builder leaders demonstrate the following uncommon characteristics of a good leader:
- Building a sense of togetherness
- Encouragers
- Service of others
- Synergisers
5 Play makers
Play maker leaders bring the best out of those around them. They galvanise the strengths and commitment of those around them. They encourage other to take the lead and spread leadership more widely in the organisation. In a recession inevitably people can shrink back under the pressures. Play makers support others to put their strengths to work.
Play maker leaders demonstrate the following uncommon characteristics of a good leader:
- Coaching
- Sharing
- Stimulaters
- Infectious
You’ll find more on each of these roles in our blog 5 types of leadership for tough times, where we discuss how each of these roles can combat some of the key issues businesses face during a recession.