A Framework for Executive Leadership Teams

Elite Executive Teams must always:

1. Maintain and share clarity about the organization’s big picture (internal and external)
2. Make sure the parts work together efficiently and effectively
3. Communicate succinctly and clearly
4. Engage individuals with empathy and respect

Elite Executive Teams must conduct these four dimensions of leadership exceptionally well, as a team, for all to thrive. Seldom do we observe executive teams employing such a defined system in their leadership activities. This framework facilitates conceptual perspectives within which leadership principles can be established and applied consistently throughout the organization.

1. 1. Connect and Align (at the thinking level)
      • Share thinking about significant issues confronting them
      • Be transparent and professional with their feelings
      • Be committed to: Others are first
   2. Strategic Initiatives (share with and engage everyone)
      • Create, define, and clarify
      • Select and prioritize
      • Schedule and implement
   3. Stakeholder Focus (Employees, Customers, Vendors, and Community)
      • Define and clarify the steps to attract, engage, and grow relationships
      • Clarify the desired outcomes for each step
      • Identify the resources needed for each step
   4. Measure to Manage (Reporting and using reports effectively is essential)
      • Define activities to measure and report results for each step
      • Assess reporting accuracy and how well they get used
      • Establish a continuous improvement plan for every measurement

Elite Executive Teams provide leadership and management. Individuals in executive leadership roles are required to do both. Too often, the business of the day gets in the way of spending deliberate and intentional time with leadership issues. Building structure and discipline using the above Framework for Executive Leadership is a proven way to make sure leadership activities get their full and required attention. It only takes a few hours each week to use the framework and develop it into an executive leadership system.

Be aware when you are leading, and when you are managing. Do not get so busy you forget to do your leading.