WINNING TEAMS

An understanding of the four constructs of leadership, vision, enterprise, and team working is essential for any leader. Their influence on organizational growth cannot be understated.

Good leaders develop through a never ending process of self-study, education, training, and experience. Growth leaders must be good leaders and have a vision for growth.

Good leadership and enterprise are essential for survival. For growth, a leader must also have a growth vision and team working skills.

The construct of 'vision' applies to leaders and their direction of vision, that is, does the leader have a vision that is directed towards realizing enduring growth of the organisation, or, a vision directed towards achieving their desired lifestyle through their organisation?^Ref

Research carried out into the differences between a growth and a 'lifestyle' organization revealed the following differences between the leaders:

Team working involves inspiring team members to achieve their highest potential. A leader who leads by positive example can create a team environment in which all team members feel valued. The leader should encourage the team to reach team goals in line with his or her vision. Here are a few important phrases to say that inspire team working:

• The six most important words, "I admit I made a mistake."
• The five most important words, "You did a good job."
• The four most important words, "What is your opinion?"
• The three most important words, "If you please."
• The two most important words, "Thank you."
• The one most important word, "We"
• The least most important word, "I"

The leader must have a vision of growth if the organisation is to be a growth organisation beyond its initial growth phase. It is the leader's vision (combined with his or her leadership effectiveness) that is the key feature in determining whether an organization will be growth or lifestyle in orientation.

The growth orientation of the leader manifests itself when key strategic decisions are made. These may be quite rare.^Ref If the senior management team contains lifestyle members, and there is a high probability that this will be the case, the ability of the leader to ensure that these key decisions are carried through is paramount.^Ref