Leaders for Today’s Challenges

Each day I get asked about — or find myself in a discussion about — executive level leadership. Both the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards are looking for their next chief executives. Several of the largest firms in the country are also considering transitions in their leadership brought about by economic, demographic, and opportunity shifts in their professional practices.

These search and selection processes give us pause. The stakes are high. How should these organizations determine the best leaders?

Whatever else the leader’s role in an association or professional practice, there are 10 base essentials. When these foundational characteristics are present, the organization functions with energy and competence to serve its mission. Here is what I believe is essential.

1. Leaders act as both visionary and key day-to-day resource for overcoming difficulties. They set the tone for the can-do culture of the organization.

2. They develop and conceptualize the organization’s tactical plans to accomplish strategic ambitions. They develop and keep clarity around goals. This develops strategic optimism.

3. Communications are sincere, open, and energized. The leader is not intimidating and has the wisdom of perspective, good humor, and agility to work with a diversity of situations.

4. Leaders are able to manage demanding schedules, and their agenda is always focused on what matters most.

5. They listen and then coach every situation they find themselves in.

6. Financial matters are monitored, measured, and communicated, and these leaders tend to consistently bring in the bottom line — no matter the excuses of the day.

7. There is an ambassadorial quality about them. They are sought out to problem-solve and inspire along the way while building bridges.

8. Today’s issues are never ignored, and there is a sense that the longer-term plans can be realized through today’s actions – no matter how painful.

9. Resilience is manifested in the language of the leader who is prepared for inevitable surprises.

10. Accountability is never shirked and the leader takes final responsibility for results and outcomes. This is a stand-and-be-counted attitude that becomes contagious in the life of the organization.

Leadership is demanding. Great leaders are rare. These 10 characteristics are framed by lifestyle and attitude. Leaders are not perfect, but they have an uncanny knack for applying sensible, inspired, day-to-day actions that make all the difference.

When “The Boss” Exemplified Civility

I love baseball, but in all honesty, I never thought much of George Steinbrenner. His leadership style was flawed. While Yogi Berra was quirky and quotable, Steinbrenner was most memorable for being pushy, tempestuous, and arrogant. I doubt that we’ll remember many leadership lessons from his tenure despite the success of the oft World Series champions.

But I do have a fond memory and a management lesson from Steinbrenner. A couple of years ago when leading a firm retreat at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia, I met “The Boss” in the hallway. We were on the same schedule leaving our rooms and heading for the elevators to the hotel lobby. He said first, “Good morning” energetically and insisted on holding the elevator door for me. When we arrived at the lobby level, I held the door and said, “After you.” He then said, “No, after you!” We exchanged once again but I succumbed first as he boldly insisted.

That day I decided I liked the man more than I thought. And I even began to like the Yankees — just a little.