From Vision to Execution: Dissecting the 5E Leadership Model

Value-driven Competencies – Enabling Organisation: Leadership Development Vol.1

I learned at Procter & Gamble and always believed in 3 ingredients for success:

1) Leadership, 2) Strategy, and 3) Operational Discipline. The simplest definition of success is to be able to get something done. Be it for business or personal goals.

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This made me dissect success to be about who you are or want to be (leadership) to define the direction better, to make better choices/decisions about how to get a desired outcome more likely (strategy), and what you need to do day in and day out (operational discipline) to make it happen faster and in quality.

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If leadership is such an important part of the success recipe (getting things done), so I must approach the leadership development part of this open-source strategy journey differently than other sub-elements. I will do the same as I did for the Strategy. I will first explore what is available in terms of leadership definitions. I will try to see the foundational elements (imperatives) of them. I will try to see their strengths and shortcomings and try to propose a new holistic definition suitable for today and the foreseeable future. I plan to learn and adapt to this new definition in my own leadership journey.

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Why is leadership development the first in “Value-driven competencies” of the S-Curve Strategy?

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Simple, it is not a privilege given to only corporate leaders to be leaders. Corporate success is a collective game and each player needs to up their leadership game to contribute more.

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It is a relay race in which new corporate leaders will replace old ones, and they need to be ready for that to sustain success.

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It is a foundational competence carrying others on it. It amplifies other competencies to get better and even unique.

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It is value-driven because career growth is a foundational value attribute for employees as stakeholders and leadership is essential to climb the corporate stairs.

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Various paradigms and styles have emerged in the dynamic leadership landscape to guide individuals in steering organizations toward success. One foundational model encapsulating effective leadership's core elements is the 5E model — Envision, Engage, Energize, Enable, and Execute.

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I used to be a trainer of this model (even a trainer of trainers later on) at P&G. Let's explore the nuances of this model and how it is demonstrated in my industry domains.

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Leadership. It's not just a fancy title or a corner office with questionable art. It's a dance, a constant push and pull between vision and execution, inspiration and perspiration. But worry not, fellow leadernauts (yes, I went there), for I am here to guide you through the ever-so-important 5E leadership model. Buckle up, and prepare for a journey filled with practical tips, real-life (and slightly embellished) anecdotes, and maybe even a sprinkle of humor (because let's face it, leadership can be serious business, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun!).

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E for Envision: Ah, the dream stage. This is where you, the visionary extraordinaire, paint a picture of the future. Not just any picture, mind you, but a masterpiece that ignites the souls of your team. Remember, a compelling vision isn't just about numbers and goals; it's about evoking emotions, creating a sense of purpose. Think Steve Jobs unveiling the iPhone – that wasn't just a phone, it was a revolution! Now, I may not be able to predict the next big gadget, but I can tell you this: when you articulate your vision with clarity, passion, and maybe even a dash of theatrics (think Bill Gates dancing on stage), people listen.

See how 雀巢 CEO Mark Schneider has articulated a vision for AI in this way.

([source]( https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/markschneidernestle_ai-creativity-activity-7143543122659090433-R2uD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop )).

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E for Engage: It's all well and good to have a grand vision, but without your team on board, it's just a pretty picture on a dusty wall. This is where engagement comes in. It's about building trust, fostering open communication, and making sure everyone feels valued and heard. Imagine yourself as an orchestra conductor, each team member a unique instrument. Your job is to create a harmonious symphony, where each part plays its role flawlessly. Now, I may not be able to conduct a real orchestra (yet!), I can play guitar tough, but I can tell you this: active listening, open communication, and a healthy dose of appreciation go a long way in building a truly engaged team.

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See how 玛氏食品 CEO Poul Weihrauch engages his stakeholders with a sustainable growth vision ([source]( https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/poulweihrauch_why-mars-incs-ceo-wants-to-help-others-activity-7140009591089557504-ZfdQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop )).

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E for Energize: Let's be honest, sometimes the path to the dream isn't exactly paved with sunshine and rainbows. There will be bumps, roadblocks, and moments where motivation takes a nosedive. That's where you, the energizer bunny of leadership, come in. Your job is to keep the fire burning, to reignite the passion, and to remind everyone why they signed up for this crazy adventure. Think Muhammad Ali's pre-fight speeches – pure, unadulterated motivation! Now, I may not be able to deliver a knockout punch with words (although my puns might sting a bit), but I can tell you this: a little recognition, a dash of humor, and a genuine belief in your team's potential can work wonders in energizing even the most jaded soul.

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See how Nestlé Nespresso SA CEO Guillaume Le Cunff has led initiatives to energize Nespresso's workforce by promoting a culture of creativity and innovation. Nespresso encourages employees to share ideas and take ownership of projects, fostering a sense of excitement and motivation. Guillaume Le Cunff's focus on creativity and innovation at Nespresso was discussed in a press release announcing Nespresso's latest sustainability initiatives, where he emphasized the importance of employee engagement in driving positive change ([source](https://www.nestle-nespresso.com/media/pressreleases/nespresso-announces-2023-sustainability-commitments-to-achieve-100-recyclable-and-sustainably-sourced-coffee )).

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E for Enable: So, you have a clear vision, an engaged team, and enough motivational fuel to power a rocket. Now what? It's time to enable your team, to equip them with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to turn dreams into reality. Think of yourself as a master chef, providing your team with the finest ingredients and the sharpest knives (metaphorically speaking, of course). Now, I may not be able to whip up a gourmet meal (my crafting skills are more fit for strategy), but I can tell you this: investing in training, providing clear instructions, and fostering a culture of continuous learning are key to empowering your team to achieve greatness.

At 百事 , CEO Ramon Laguarta has prioritized employee enablement through training and development programs. PepsiCo operates PepsiCo University, which provides a wide range of learning opportunities for employees at all levels. In PepsiCo's 2021 Sustainability Report, Laguarta emphasized the importance of capability-building, stating: “We are making significant investments to provide our employees with opportunities to build new capabilities and skills for the future.” By investing $18 million in training initiatives in 2021 alone, Laguarta aims to empower PepsiCo's employees with the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving business environment. This focus on enablement through capability-building aligns well with the principles of the 5E leadership model.

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E for Execute: Finally, the moment of truth. It's time to put the plan into action, to watch your vision come to life. This is where your leadership mettle is truly tested. Be the steady hand on the tiller, the guiding light in the storm, the cheerleader on the sidelines. Remember, execution is about more than just barking orders; it's about collaboration, adaptation, and celebrating every milestone along the way. Think of Neil Armstrong taking that first step on the moon – a giant leap for mankind, achieved through meticulous planning and flawless execution. Now, I may not be able to walk on the moon (yet!), but I can tell you this: clear communication, adaptability, and a focus on progress, not perfection, are the cornerstones of successful execution.

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亿滋食品 CEO Dirk Van de Put has led initiatives to enhance execution at Mondelez by implementing agile project management practices and fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility. Mondelez executes plans with precision and agility to deliver results and meet strategic objectives. Dirk Van de Put's focus on agility and accountability at Mondelez was discussed in the company's quarterly earnings presentations, where he highlighted Mondelez's performance and execution strategies ([source](https://ir.mondelezinternational.com/events-and-presentations/default.aspx )).

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So there you have it, fellow leaders! The 5E model: a roadmap to navigate the exhilarating, and sometimes frustrating, world of leadership. Remember, it's not a rigid formula, but a flexible framework. Adapt it, play with it, make it your own. And most importantly, have fun! After all, what's the point of achieving amazing things if you can't enjoy the journey? Now, go forth and lead with passion, purpose, and maybe.

What Could Have Been Better in a Leadership Model vs. 5E, according to me?

1. Adaptive Leadership Integration:

- 5E Model could benefit from incorporating elements of adaptive leadership. Adaptive leadership focuses on navigating change and uncertainty and adjusting strategies based on the evolving environment. By integrating adaptive leadership principles, the 5E Model could become more responsive to the dynamic nature of contemporary organizational challenges.

2. Expanded Focus on Leadership Agility:

- Leadership agility involves the ability to adapt quickly to changes. 5E Model could benefit from an expanded focus on leadership agility. In today's fast-paced and unpredictable business environment, leaders need to be agile in their approach to navigate challenges and opportunities effectively.

In the next article we will explore different leadership models to be able to argue a new open source leadership model.

May the force (of leading responsibly) with you.

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Cheers,

C.Firat Caliskan