What is Your Leader Development Style?
Posted on August 25, 2020 by Dr Lepora Flournoy, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
This article shares an archetype that shoes the various leadership development communication styles. Which is yours?
Today I want to share with you a Leader Development Communication Archetype Model that I developed ten years ago while preparing for a Keynote Speaking Engagement at a Leadership Conference. I came across the presentation on my computer. I realize that Leader Development and Succession Planning are still challenges for most organizations just as they were five years ago.
In the model, I share five archetypes of Leader Development Styles: Steel, Wood, Earth, Water and Fire. The purpose of the model is to explain the style that leaders use to develop or not develop their team on a daily basis with their communication style. Many people view Leadership Development as an event, a training session or feedback session. Whereas Leadership Development is a daily, agile process. Now let us explore these archetypes.
1. The STEEL leader says, “My job is secure.” If you are a STEEL leader, nothing gets through you. You hoard all the information and vehicles to get anything done. You pull the ultimate trigger on everything.
2. The WOOD leader says, “You only need to know but so much…” If you are a WOOD leader, things and information permeate rarely… and only when pulled and prodded out from your direct reports. You are a tough gatekeeper.
3. The EARTH leader says, “I’ll give it to you, but only if you absolutely need it to finish this project at hand…” As an EARTH leader, things permeate… You give, but only as absolutely needed to get the currently assigned task completed.
4. The WATER leader says, “What would you like to know?” If you are a WATER leader, knowledge flows generously, but without intention and strategy. There is no planning involved. Guidance given to the direct reports lacks any of the wisdom or discretion of the manager.
5. If you are a FIRE leader, you lead and share information with intention and understanding of where your direct report is and can go.
a. You are a mentor.
b. You professionally develop your staff strategically.
c. You pour out of yourself to others around you- above, below and laterally.
d. You encourage the same behavior for your staff.
e. Exponential growth is recognized among your team throughout the entire organization.
f. Learning is contagious.
g. You create stars who are tomorrow’s leaders of your organization.
If you find this information interesting or helpful, please share it with others.
If you need coaching or know someone who does, do take advantage of a complimentary consultation with me to explore fit for transformation. There are currently 5 spots open.
Have a great day!
