EXTRAORDINARY ESSENTIALS

EXTRAORDINARY ESSENTIALS

How do you rate for the six essentials of an extraordinary leader?
Please select each statement you agree with:
I challenge limiting assumptionsI ask open-ended, simple questions and listen with interestI go back to first principles to understand how an activity might operate betterI explore analogies and precedents to find better practiceI read, watch and/or listen to stimulating content regularly and think about how I can apply it in my job (and life)I seek to understand systemic shifts in our society, community and business environmentI seek out learning opportunities in my job and in dedicated programmes as a normI look out outside my specialism and industry for inspirationI challenge the status quo where it is holding us back
Total (out of 10)
I am known to be the originator of novel ideasI have developed a vibrant imagination which I can deploy in many contextsI am skillful at reframing issues and situations to unlock new approachesI am comfortable in exploring radical or novel ideasI have processes and well-practised ways of producing unusual ideasI prototype new ideas and am skillful in deciding which ones to developI find distinctive ideas in one context and apply them in another context, often for the first timeI find ways to match the needs (of customers or employees) with novel ideasI create unusual connections between topics to generate new opportunitiesI create new possibilities that that may be useful in solving problems
Total (out of 10)
I describe the purpose of the organisation with convictionI articulate the choices we have made in our strategy with clarityI talk clearly about my own moral compass and ethicsI set out my expectations for performance without any ambiguityI speak with a confident, clear tone and use language that is easy to understandI write with impact as well as an author - e.g. I use the active tense, with short sentences when I writeI explain any technical language or specialist terms in plain English (or your language)I flex my communication style skillfully when dealing with different stakeholder groupsI answer questions directly, with respect without falling into ‘traps’ and having anticipated counter-arguments and difficult questionsI explain important decisions with precision and candour
Total (out of 10)
I aim to surpass our expectations even when it is very difficultI look to tackle systemic issues even when they are chronic or complexI will call out bad behaviours even when unpopularI show strength of character in difficult situations, including crisesI persist with something I believe in even when there are obstaclesI make difficult decisions even when there is substantial complexityI seek out truth and honesty even when there are dysfunctional or challenging behavioursI persevere with a strategy in when facing short-term challengesI tackle problems that inhibit progress even if others have failed beforeI will fight for what believe in even if it causes me pain or difficulty
Total (out of 10)
I ensure that the strategy reinforces the culture and vice-versaI pursue actions that are consistent with the words I expressMy statements – verbally or written – are internally consistentMy actions are consistent over time, and if I need to change I explain clearly why I have done soI explain my decisions and actions with a clear and compelling logicI role model the behaviours I expect of othersI put in place systems and incentives that enable the objectives we have agreedI lead initiatives or projects that are well designed and structuredI identify gaps in logic or structure that inhibit the benefits of a unified approachI stop or change activities in order to make space for new activities, recognising there are finite resources
Total (out of 10)
I demonstrate compassion to those around meI communicate how much a topic or issue means to me personallyI encourage open feedback so that people can express their concerns and needsI follow up my promises with actions so people know I care about the outcome, and themI talk about failure – organisational and personal – as a way to encourage others to express their own issues, limitations or failings openlyI invest in the quality of relationships with people even when there are difficulties and disagreementsI invest significantly in my own personal care – e.g. health, imageI invest in my own development and learning systematically – e.g. through mentors, coachesI care for the well-being and performance of other individuals or organisations especially when we are working in partnerships or eco systemsI look after the welfare of people who matter to the organisation, and to me, even when there is a short-term cost of doing so
Total (out of 10)
Total points (out of 60)