In today's world, dynamic market conditions force companies to create broad teams of change leaders. Their main task is to analyze the current state, design changes and effectively manage their implementation. It is equally important to participate in the information processes that accompany the changes being introduced. These processes are aimed at moderating internal resistances that inherently accompany companies' internal transformations. The key question is how to effectively build a team of leaders and what conditions must be met so that this team can effectively carry out its tasks within project management.
The role of a Super Leader
First of all, the company should have a super leader who combines charisma and vision with the ability to work effectively in a team. Ideally, such a super leader is the entire management board or at least the president himself. Without such a driving force, the project management process will be ineffective and doomed to failure.
Promoting Modern Values
The first duty of a super leader in the transformation process is to constantly promote the characteristics of modern companies: efficiency, democratism, sensitivity, ability to learn and mobility. It is important that the actions of a super leader are not limited to words, but are clearly documented and demonstrate that the company's vision is taken seriously.
Risk and Commitment
Deep transformation processes always carry high risks. The super leader's task is to endorse the planned changes so that employees are convinced of his full commitment and determination. Any attempts to protect yourself against failure may be interpreted as unethical manipulation.
Selection of Candidates for the Leadership Team
The next task of a super leader is to select candidates for the leadership team. He should select employees from areas of the company that will be affected by the most profound changes. The key selection criterion should be the candidates' development potential and their attitude to the planned changes.
Preparing the Leadership Team
A super leader should also prepare a selected team of leaders to effectively manage projects and lead the implementation of changes. It is therefore worth conducting training conducted by external trainers, which includes:
- Strategic analysis and construction of a strategic program,
- Team building, interpersonal communication, leadership, negotiations,
- Strategic and operational controlling,
- Development project management.
During these trainings, members of the leadership team should be familiarized with the planned changes, their role in this process, the scope of work and forms of involvement. This type of information, provided by the super leader and discussed at the beginning of training, increases the commitment of team members.
Creating a Strategic Program
The socialized process of creating the company's strategic program is of key importance for the process of shaping a team of leaders. The company's management board and the leadership team should work together on the elements of the strategy, from vision to implementation projects. It is worth having trainers specializing in conducting strategic workshops participate in this process, whose role is to stimulate the team's work and provide ongoing reviews of the proposed solutions.
Teamwork and Project Documentation
The strategic team should not only formulate the company's strategy, but also practically practice skills such as teamwork, negotiations, and interpersonal communication. The text of the strategy should end with annexes containing documentation of planned development projects, which should be prepared by separate teams led by participants of the strategic group. Working on projects allows for the dissemination of new principles of teamwork and the transfer of knowledge acquired by the strategic team to new task teams, which expands the group of leaders.
Conclusions and Practices
The proposed method of building a group of leaders in a transforming company significantly increases the chance of effective implementation of change processes. Attempts to create deep transformation programs by external consultants, with greater or lesser participation of the management board, usually end only with the development of documentation because there is a lack of properly motivated implementers. Examples from the 1990s regarding reengineering projects show that success required the use of properly prepared leaders who not only created change projects, but also managed their implementation.
Leader Traits
- Enthusiasm: Leaders should be enthusiastic. The lack of this feature can discourage the team and inhibit effective project management.
- Integrity: Trust in the leader is crucial. Integrity means personal integrity and commitment to values such as kindness and truth.
- Hardness: Leaders are often demanding and stubborn, but they should be respected, not just popular.
- Honesty: A good leader treats everyone equally, without favoritism and with respect for the principle of justice.
- Heat: Being a good leader requires commitment of heart and mind. Passion for work and care for people are equally important.
- Humility: The best leaders demonstrate humility, listen to others, and don't let arrogance cloud their actions.
- Self-confidence: Confidence in one's own abilities is an important attribute of a leader, but its excess should be avoided, as it may turn into arrogance.
Leadership Functions
The most important functions in project management and team building are:
- Defining the task,
- planning,
- instructions,
- control,
- rating,
- motivation,
- organization,
- Leading by example.
Defining the Task
The task should be:
- Sure,
- specific,
- Timed,
- real,
- Inspiring,
- Subject to evaluation.
Planning
The key is to what extent the leader can create the plan on his own and to what extent he can share planning functions with the team.
Instructing
Giving instructions is the function of communicating tasks and plans to the team. This requires direct contact and skillful transfer of information.
Control
Control involves supervising the team's involvement and available resources in the implementation of the task. Self-discipline and self-control are key to effective project management.
Rating
Judgment is an essential mental function and is part of the thinking process. It is important for the leader to assess work progress and the individual contribution of team members.
Motivating
Leaders should motivate the team through a combination of rewards and punishments, using a "carrot and stick" approach.
Organization
Organization involves organizing and creating a coherent whole, including systems, time administration and time management.
Setting an Example
Leading by example is the primary means of conveying information. Leaders should be role models, both at work and in behavior.
The best leaders develop their skills through experience, and each leader must discover their unique development path while learning and adapting to changing conditions.
