The New Leadership Paradigm: Bold, Intentional Collaboration, Coordination, and Communication

This week’s podcast is a continuation of our series on the ABC’s of Leadership for All Times. This framework applies our ongoing research to the unique challenges that businesses now face and are expected to confront in years to come. Today, I speak to Dr. Loretta Care, a member of the WLH Team and co-leader of our Women in Leadership Initiative. We will share key insights about the third facet of our paradigm: Collaboration that is bold and intentional!

Leaders that collaborate in bold and intentional ways seek diversity of thought, capabilities, experiences, and resources. These actions spur creative problem solving and innovation in the face of unforeseen obstacles and unmet needs. These leaders also challenge each other to think beyond their typical boundaries and work with other leaders, functional groups, and peer networks to align their organizations across shared goals and accountability. When leaders boldly and intentionally collaborate, the benefits are seen throughout the entire organization, as the organization sets higher aspirations and achieves accelerated market performance, finding more resilient and efficient ways of leading and redirecting manpower and capital to address unforeseen obstacles.

Collaboration itself must be accompanied by two other leadership skills: Coordination and Communication. Collaborating on solutions and strategies is of the utmost importance; however, the innovation that spurs from this act must then be coordinated and aligned to create synergy throughout the organization. Lastly, consistent communication including feedback and the exchange of ideas is the key to turning these processes into tangible success and driving the free flow of creative thinking. This process of the 3C’s is critical in driving success in today’s ever-changing world.