The Leadership Detox Diet

It has been apparent for some time that our political and commercial leaders are in need of a shake-up, some form of diet which will detoxify them and reinstate their integrity. But is this really possible, given we are bombarded everyday with fresh stories which question these same leaders’ honesty and behaviour, from unacceptable expense claims through to unbelievable pensions at our expense? Can they really claw back the ground they’ve lost and regain our trust?

And what about those leaders closer to home who affect our daily lives, our own bosses? Some of them undoubtedly rob us of our self-esteem and confidence, adding to our insecurity through their inconsistent approach. Can they redeem themselves, making good their past errors?

Warren Wright is Principal Consultant and Director of OnTrack International, one of the UK’s foremost learning and development consultancies delivering measurable corporate value through bespoke people development programmes. He has worked with a variety of business leaders over a number of years and feels strongly that yes, it really is possible for them to right their wrongs. “Of course redemption is possible, anything is possible,” he says “but the price could be too high for some; that price is humility”.

Wright makes an important point: humility is not about a forced apology in an attempt to wipe the slate clean, it is about recognising faults and having a remorseful desire to do things better.

Righting Wrongs

The question that many are now asking he says, is HOW? How can you begin the process which will right the wrongs of many weeks, months or even years? Wright explains that it begins with highlighting what is toxic about some leadership styles. His summary of Toxic Leadership includes:

1. Aggressive behaviour
2. Poor team communication
3. Low empathy or compassion
4. Fear of motivating others
5. Ineffective feedback

Unfortunately these behaviours he claims, will at best suffocate potential, turning a great team into a one-brained organism. At worst they will be used as a blueprint for career promotion and success, as in: “If they have got to the top that way, so can I”.

We now know what toxic leadership is but how do we actually detox? First and foremost, Wright advocates addressing the trust issue, re-establishing it within relationships and taking a patient and consistent approach in applying behavioural change. “After that, continual self assessment and feedback will ensure your new message is being conveyed clearly” he says.

Assuming this message of radical change has been noticed, a new strategy called Green Leadership can now be implemented. According to Wright, Green Leadership focuses on developing a climate for personal development, one where the correct behaviours are consistently demonstrated by leaders. These leaders become role models, not just when the going is good but - most crucially - when the going gets tough.

There are 5 aspects to Green Leadership:

1. Developing a climate which encourages individuals to raise their performance
2. Motivational and developmental feedback
3. Open and honest two-way communication
4. Integrity in relation to organisational values and behaviours
5. Being an exemplary role model

Challenging Journey

Wright says Green Leadership creates a fundamental desire within others to follow. “After all if no one is following, who are you leading?” he asks. “It’s a challenging journey requiring education, dedication and persistence but the rewards for the leader and the organisation in our experience can be huge.”

For more information on Green Leadership and how you or your company can benefit from a leadership detox, contact Warren Wright at OnTrack International telephone: 01279 652255.

END

Ontrack International, Suite 2, The Stables, Cannons Mill Lane, Bishop’s Stortford, Herfordshire, CM23 2BN.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1279 652255
Fax: +44 (0) 1279 755839
Email: info@ontrackinternational.com
Web: www.ontrackinternational.com