The Leader’s Diet

Having managed and lead various teams at various levels within the third sector over eight years, I have realised what it takes to lead teams, execute plans and strategies to achieve expected results. Without any form of doubt, a reasonable leader needs to develop a vision of the organisation''s future, in which there is a need for the right skills and perfect knowledge in knowing how to implement and execute relevant strategies while hitting the nail on the head. However, it is important for leaders to communicate their vision to stakeholders, knowing the reason for it, and it’s relevance to the organisational current and future situation. Having the right skills –i.e., the required diet - allows leaders respond to stakeholders about questions regarding the parameters needed to execute the organisation’s vision once they’ve known the applicable principles, factors and strategies to make it a reality and a success. It is important to carry stakeholders along, especially investors, so as to be part of the visioning process – i.e., understanding the need for change which enable them visualize the big picture for change. However, having the right diet would empower a leader to stand for the best in which they believe in. Note that as a leader, you should learn how to build a vision with others on board by taking insights and imagination about a potential line of action, however, this provides the platform for leaders to take initiative. Visioning is a collaborative effort, which facilitates growth and prosperity by gaining others’ commitment and support in achieving it. However, having a vision is one thing and another to develop and formulate the right strategies to make it a reality and remain in line with agreed goals as to produce the expected result, it would be preferable for leaders to consider the situation, factors and parameters surrounding an issue to be dealt with a clearly insight of what might be the possible outcome of any decision before making them. A point of advice for leaders when making decision, mostly in the aspect of executing strategies is that the successful execution pattern for Mr A can be the failure track for Mr B, that’s why leaders should clearly examine the situation regarding an issue indepthly before making decisions. "Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." - Joel Arthur Baker.