Leadership: 4 Ways to Provide Direction, Frame and Direction as a Leader

Leadership shows exemplary behaviour, says Rene de Beau, People & Change partner at KPMG Netherlands. We asked him what is the ideal behavior we would like to see from leaders? “We see that four core behaviors, or values ​​if you will, are critical.”

The leader’s role is to create what’s called “storage space,” according to de Boe. It refers to the space in which people work together on the future of the organisation.

De Boo: “Healthy and safe ‘storage space’ requires the leader to be able to hold a dialogue, so that the process of ‘meaning-making’ begins. In this way, a shared meaning is given to circumstances and developments and how to respond to them.”

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“Leadership also means showing exemplary behavior,” says de Boe. But what is the exemplary behavior we would like to see from leaders? “We see the four core behaviors, or values ​​if you will, as critical. Four keys to providing direction, frameworks and direction as a leader.”

Key 1 – Empathy: Active Listening for Understanding

Empathy is the ability to empathize, without judgment, with the thoughts and experiences of others. In individual interaction, this requires leaders to make space for the human dimension. Invite to share personal stories.

Key 2 – Curiosity: Ask questions to explore

Curiosity is about the ability to view information from different points of view to make balanced decisions. Curiosity also relates to the activity of questioning, interrogating, and engaging in conversation. Especially since the Netherlands often operates in a hybrid fashion, and thus physical coordination is difficult in many cases, it is important to make an extra effort to get personal and organizational information out in the open.

know more? Dennis Fink: “Financial leadership is about stepping in when necessary”

Key 3 – Flexibility: Dialogue to Create a Holding Space

Humans are by nature very flexible. But resilience, adapting to difficult situations, and ultimately growing through them takes a lot of energy. Providing a structure, routine procedures and clear frameworks makes it easier to deal with difficult situations and thus contributes to our resilience. Setting realistic short-term goals is an effective way to maintain a sense of progress, which helps us to last longer.

Key 4 – Humility: Searching for contemplation and stillness to reconcile dilemmas

Although the reaction is to focus on managing the acute situation, it is at the same time necessary to consider the long-term implications of the current decision-making process. This requires the ability to recognize, respect and reconcile dilemmas. For the ability to think in terms of systems and patterns rather than linear cause-and-effect relationships. And to be able to think, in the midst of all this frenetic activity, about the purpose of the organisation. When asked why you exist as an organization and what values ​​guide you.

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