Effective Leadership

by Shawn Bakker

One of the most astute business people I ever met told me that there are only three activities leaders of organizations must do:

1. Define the purpose of their business.
   
   
2. Find customers.
   
   
3. Make money.
   

The problem is identifying what type of person can best ensure that those three goals are met. We know that personality impacts how a person typically behaves, and as a result should have significant influence on a person’s leadership skills. At one time it was thought that are certain combination of personality traits would identify the best leaders. Yet the quest for the universal leader may not be appropriate. Often, the most effective leader in one arena will not necessarily be effective in another. Leadership styles can be more or less effective depending upon the environment where they are used. For example, a leader focused on change, innovation, and radical approaches will not be effective in a stable manufacturing firm. A leader focused on cost control, procedures, and administration will not be effective in a research and development organization where creativity and divergent thinking are the main tasks.

This makes it critical for leaders to be aware of not only their preferred style and approach, but the impact their preferred approach can have when it does not match the organizations' needs. At these times it becomes necessary for the effective leader to adjust their "natural" approach to ensure it is appropriate to their situation.

The WPI Leadership Competency Report is a tool designed to help leaders identify their natural leadership
style. Developed to help leaders in their professional growth, it contains interpretive notes about the individual’s leadership strengths and potential pitfalls related to the following six areas: Working with Others, Problem Solving, Work Style, Dynamism, Dealing with Pressure and Stress, and Identifying and Managing Change. The WPI Leadership Competency Report also provides tips on how to adapt and utilize skills that do not come naturally to people with certain personality traits.