How Great Leaders Think

1. Leaders must master multiple perspectives to navigate complexity

The evidence is clear that the ability to use multiple frames is associated with greater effectiveness for managers and leaders.

Four key frames. Effective leaders view situations through four different lenses or frames: structural, human resource, political, and symbolic. Each frame offers a unique perspective on organizational dynamics:

• Structural frame: Focuses on roles, goals, policies, and formal relationships
• Human resource frame: Emphasizes needs, skills, and relationships of people
• Political frame: Views organizations as arenas of scarce resources and competing interests
• Symbolic frame: Focuses on culture, meaning, ritual, ceremony, and stories

Versatile thinking. By developing the ability to reframe - to look at the same situation from multiple perspectives - leaders can generate more creative solutions and avoid blind spots. This versatility allows them to diagnose problems more accurately and craft more comprehensive strategies.

Integrative approach. The most effective leaders don't rely on just one or two frames. They develop the capacity to integrate insights from all four perspectives, allowing them to see the full complexity of a situation and respond with nuance. This multi-frame thinking is especially critical in today's rapidly changing, interconnected world.

2. Structural leadership focuses on designing effective systems and processes

The right structure helps ensure that individuals know what they're supposed to do and how they're expected to work with others to get it done.

Clear architecture. Structural leaders focus on creating the right organizational design, policies, and processes to achieve goals efficiently. Key elements include:

• Clear roles and responsibilities
• Well-defined goals and performance standards
• Coordination mechanisms
• Information and control systems

Contextual fit. Effective structural leaders recognize there is no one-size-fits-all approach. They analyze key contextual factors to determine the optimal structure:

• Size and age of organization
• Core technology and processes
• Environment (stable vs. dynamic)
• Strategy and goals
• Workforce characteristics

Ongoing alignment. As circumstances change, structural leaders continuously realign the organization's architecture. They redesign roles, adjust coordination mechanisms, and implement new systems to maintain fit between structure and situation.

3. Human resource leadership emphasizes empowering and developing people

If people feel that the organization is responsive to their needs and supportive of their personal goals, they will respond with commitment and loyalty.

Talent investment. Human resource leaders view people as the organization's most valuable asset. They invest heavily in:

• Recruiting and selecting the right people
• Training and development
• Fair and motivating reward systems
• Work-life balance initiatives

Empowerment. These leaders create conditions that allow employees to perform at their best:

• Meaningful, challenging work
• Autonomy and decision-making authority
• Access to information and resources
• Opportunities for growth

Relationships. Human resource leaders excel at building strong connections with and among employees. They foster a family-like culture of caring, open communication, and mutual support.

4. Political leadership requires building coalitions and managing conflict

Politics is here to stay. Ignoring that reality sets you up for chronic frustration and failure.

Power dynamics. Political leaders recognize that organizations are arenas of competing interests vying for scarce resources. They map the political terrain to understand:

• Key stakeholders and their interests
• Sources of power and influence
• Potential allies and opponents

Coalition building. Effective political leaders create alliances to advance their agendas:

• Identify shared interests
• Negotiate mutually beneficial agreements
• Exchange favors and resources
• Frame issues to appeal to diverse groups

Conflict management. Rather than avoiding conflict, skilled political leaders:

• Surface hidden conflicts constructively
• Create arenas for negotiation
• Mediate disputes
• Find integrative solutions where possible

5. Symbolic leadership creates meaning through culture, rituals, and vision

Symbols cluster to form culture, the shared patterns that define "our way of doing things" for a group or organization.

Cultural shaping. Symbolic leaders recognize the power of organizational culture in shaping behavior. They actively cultivate shared values, beliefs, and norms through:

• Stories and myths
• Rituals and ceremonies
• Artifacts and symbols
• Language and slogans

Meaning making. These leaders help people find purpose and significance in their work by:

• Articulating an inspiring vision
• Connecting daily tasks to a larger mission
• Celebrating accomplishments and milestones
• Fostering a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself

Emotional connection. Symbolic leaders tap into people's emotions and imagination. They use vivid imagery, metaphors, and dramatic flair to energize and unite followers around shared ideals.

6. Reframing allows leaders to see situations from different angles

Reframing is examining the same situation from multiple vantage points. The effective leader changes lenses when things don't make sense or aren't working.

Cognitive flexibility. Reframing involves consciously shifting between different mental models or frames to gain new insights. This flexibility allows leaders to:

• Break out of habitual thinking patterns
• Generate creative solutions to stubborn problems
• Adapt more nimbly to changing circumstances

Multiple interpretations. By reframing, leaders can develop a more nuanced understanding of complex situations. For example, a conflict could be viewed as:

• Structural issue: Unclear roles or misaligned incentives
• Human resource problem: Unmet needs or lack of training
• Political struggle: Competition for scarce resources
• Symbolic clash: Conflicting values or cultural misunderstanding

Tailored responses. The ability to reframe enables leaders to craft more comprehensive and effective responses. They can combine structural changes, human resource interventions, political negotiations, and symbolic actions as needed.

7. Ethical leadership is rooted in core values and organizational soul

Ethics ultimately must be rooted in soul: an organization's commitment to its deeply rooted identity, beliefs, and values.

Moral compass. Ethical leaders have a clear sense of their core values and use them as guideposts for decision-making. They consistently demonstrate integrity by aligning their actions with their stated principles.

Organizational soul. Beyond individual ethics, great leaders cultivate a shared sense of organizational purpose and values. They nurture the "soul" of the organization through:

• Articulating a meaningful mission
• Reinforcing core values in daily operations
• Creating a culture of ethical behavior
• Balancing multiple stakeholder interests

Ethical dilemmas. Leaders often face difficult trade-offs with no clear right answer. Ethical leaders:

• Reflect deeply on the moral dimensions of decisions
• Seek input from diverse perspectives
• Make principled choices, even at personal cost
• Communicate the reasoning behind tough decisions

8. Great leaders craft compelling narratives that inspire and unite

Storytelling is our most basic and powerful form of communication. It transmits emotionally charged information in a form that is accessible, attractive, and memorable to others.

Personal narrative. Effective leaders develop a clear personal story that communicates:

• Their values and motivations
• Key experiences that shaped them
• Their vision for the future

Organizational story. Leaders also craft a compelling narrative for their organization that:

• Honors its history and traditions
• Makes sense of current challenges
• Paints an inspiring picture of future possibilities

Ongoing dialogue. Great leaders recognize that storytelling is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. They continually refine and retell their stories to:

• Reinforce key messages
• Adapt to changing circumstances
• Incorporate new chapters as the journey unfolds

Last updated: October 18, 2024