IN POLITICS, government, business and social institutions, leader-managers must be able to lead and manage in four key areas:
Lead and manage oneself
Before leading others, a leader must first lead and manage himself. He must be clear about his goals and vision, and live by them. He must "cakap serupa bikin" – walk his talk.
If his vision is integrity, he cannot compromise with corruption.
When a leader fails to manage himself, organisations fail and even nations and civilisations can collapse.
Lead and manage others
A leader-manager must be effective with people.
He sets clear goals and deliverables, and makes them meaningful to the team.
He removes uncertainties, holds people accountable and is willing to have tough conversations – and take tough actions – when needed.
His aim is always to build and sustain a high-performing team.
Lead and manage execution and processes
A leader-manager makes things happen.
He does not just make speeches or set lofty goals without substance.
Promises are commitments, backed by well-thought-out plans.
He ensures that processes run, plans are executed and results are delivered.
Lead and manage change
Change breeds uncertainty.
Leader-managers must remove confusion, clarify direction and help people adapt.
They can either guide their organisations through change and emerge stronger – or succumb to it, dragging everyone into failure.
Let us add value to how we lead and manage. Have a meaningful Malaysia Day.
