Can You Lead From the BALCONY?

Gail Hermesch, Professional Development Trainer & Speaker
CompetitivEdge Business Solutions

Over the last couple of years, large corporations have come into existence and multinationals are the buzzword today.

The seemingly large geographical spread and huge teams required to coordinate across undeniable chasms of personal rapport demand that the leader learn to operate across boundaries and equip himself with the appropriate
approach to bridge the gaps.

Lack of direct physical interaction, absence of body language cues and intense efforts towards individualism are the challenges the modern leader is faced with in multinational corporations.

To be able to continue leading the team and maintain a steady level of performance, the leader should not be someone who makes a decision on the fly, without even considering all inputs from his team members. He should
be able to make quick decisions, but not hasty ones, and should be analytical so that he can consider all possible outcomes in order to choose the most appropriate one for the situation.

In addition to being able to play all the five roles with ease and expertise, the leader is also bound to be able to balance other various roles he is expected to play.

Sometimes, the leader is also needed to detach himself from the personal relationships he has with the team members and suggest a decision that’s appropriate in the interests of the team. Similarly, at times he might be needed to step away from his involvement with the team and take a bird’s eye view of the situation be able to take an unbiased decision or action.

Further, if a leader involves himself too much in the day to day activities of the team members, then also it could lead to a hijacking of the normal functioning of the team members and may actually short-circuit their performance.

This process of leading the team from a higher perspective is often termed as “Leading from the balcony.”
An in depth assessment and understanding of the stage through which his team is passing through is also essential for the leader in his desire to provide the right leadership.

This understanding helps him to keep track of what is happening in the team, why it is happening and what he can do next to keep the team on the desired road to success.

Gail Hermesch
Professional Development Trainer & Speaker
CompetitivEdge Business Solutions
Ph:     (866) 506-4025  ext #702
Cell:  (785) 336-1616
www.CompetitivEdgeBusiness.com