FIVE PRINCIPLES TO SUPPORT EXECUTIVE SUCCESS

The difference between success and failure for an executive comes down to five basic principles, regardless of the size or type of organization. Likewise, there are five key tendencies that tempt managers and executives at every level, according to the new book The Five Temptations of a CEO: A Leadership Fable. Succumbing to these temptations can lead to professional and organizational disaster.

It can be much easier to focus on issues like marketing, strategic planning, and finance than on behavioral self-examination. But, according to author and business consultant Patrick Lencioni, an executive’s success hinges on a few key behaviors, which are related to five potentially dangerous temptations. The following principles, Lencioni maintains, are basic to the success of any executive:

The desire to produce results. This principle for success is the most important of the five, but it is often undermined by the temptation to protect the status of a career first.

Holding employees accountable for delivering on the commitments that drive results. Executives often avoid this principle for success when they succumb to the temptation to maintain their own popularity. It is more important to work for the long-term success of the organization than to seek affection – an executive is not likely to be popular at all if employees, and organization, fail.

“Any decision is better than no decision at all.” This military philosophy allows organizations to move ahead. The corresponding temptation, the need to make correct decisions, leads to vague and hesitant direction and a lack of results.

Recognizing the value of conflict. The desire for harmony can stifle valuable exchange of ideas. Everyone in an organization must be encouraged to share their knowledge and perspectives and to air their ideological differences with passion. Good decisions cannot be made until all available information is on the table.

Encouraging employees to challenge the ideas of the executive. The final temptation, the need for invulnerability, is a significant cause of failure. Mistakenly believing they will lose credibility if their ideas, these misguided executives end up squelching productive conflict.

For more information on the book, contact Jossey-Bass Publishers at 800-956-7739; Web: www.josseybass.com Cost: $20.

From Administrator The Source for Practical Ideas and Key Issues in Higher Education; November, 1998, volume 17, Number 11, pg 2