The 5 P's of Effective Authority

Those of you who enjoy business books and self-help guides, with bullets full of tips and references will definitely enjoy the "Good Authority" by Jonathan Raymond. Here he covers five archetypes and a manifesto of leadership that is worth taking a peek into.

In this edition of Leadership Learnings, we speak with Raghav Rao, Associate Director of Delivery Management at Signant Health , as he reflects on his professional journey that started in a field outside of computers.

Ferdie: Can you share with us your encounter with "Good Authority" by Jonathan Raymond and how it influenced your leadership journey?

Raghav: Absolutely. "Good Authority" was a serendipitous find during a routine library visit. As someone deeply entrenched in technology and management, its fresh perspective on leadership drew me in. One fundamental principle that resonated deeply with me was the idea that "because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are." This notion urged me to embrace change actively, becoming a guiding force in my professional growth.

Ferdie: That's fascinating. Could you elaborate on the pillars of Generosity and Humility and how they shaped your leadership philosophy?

Raghav: Generosity challenges individuals to go beyond conventional limits, encouraging a mindset of abundance and a willingness to contribute more than expected. This principle emphasizes the importance of giving generously, whether in knowledge, support, or opportunities, fostering an environment of continuous growth and collaboration. On the other hand, Humility emphasizes the power of acknowledging mistakes and being open to starting anew. Leaders are urged to embrace a humble mindset, recognizing that everyone is susceptible to errors, and the willingness to learn from missteps is crucial for personal and professional development.

Generosity and Humility, as outlined in the book, became the bedrock of my leadership philosophy. Generosity challenged me to go beyond, fostering a culture of continuous learning and resilience within my team. Humility, on the other hand, taught me the courage to admit mistakes and start anew, emphasizing the importance of humility in leadership.

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Ferdie: It's intriguing how those principles translate into practical leadership. Can you discuss how the leadership archetypes highlighted in the book influenced your approach?

Raghav: In the book there are five distinct leadership archetypes that offer varied approaches to leadership. Pragmatists are results-driven individuals, emphasizing efficiency and practical problem-solving. Provocateurs challenge norms and foster innovation, while Protectors prioritize empathy, creating a supportive team environment. Peace Makers focus on collaboration and conflict resolution, and Performers excel in their specialized skills but may need encouragement to enhance collaboration.

Among the five leadership archetypes presented, the Protector and Performer resonated significantly with me. As a Protector, empathy and teamwork are paramount in creating a supportive environment for my team. This archetype holds the emotions of the team and help smooth choppy waters, when needed. They afford downtime for the team, to allow them to recover. On the other hand, the Performer archetype are ones who excel at a particular skill but requires some coaxing to come out of their shell. Once freed they embrace collaboration, basking in the joys of working with others.

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Ferdie: How do you prioritize guiding individuals to discover their potential and fostering resilience within your team?

Raghav: Guiding individuals to reach their potential and fostering resilience are central to my leadership style. It's about pushing team members beyond their comfort zones while providing support and encouragement. Building confidence during setbacks, by giving them tips and tricks are important. Also, empowering the team to find alternative solutions demonstrate that you're a hands-on leader, ready to contribute.

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Ferdie: Can you share a transformative application of the book's principles in your professional journey?

Raghav: Certainly. One notable instance was when working with a novice recruit in clinical trials industry, who provided remarkable insights and ideas in automating the current testing process. This led to the creation of the Browser Automation Tool (BAT). I discovered that he was a proactive performer with a unique skill set, unafraid of embracing new technologies. With the positive support from my peers, I provided the autonomy to drive this initiative to completion. He invested non-billable hours to develop and support this challenging project , not only unlocking innovation but also garnering support and admiration from higher-ups. By demonstrating the power of embracing risk and championing new ideas this initiative paid off.

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Ferdie: Finally, reflecting on your journey, how did your early experiences shape your leadership style?

Raghav: I took on a marketing job for India's first antivirus software, a role that significantly contributed to my leadership development. ?Guided by a mentor proficient in marketing and cybersecurity, I learned the importance of data-driven decision-making and maintaining a customer-centric mindset. This experience accelerated my professional development, emphasizing the significance of interpreting metrics and delivering value to customers.

There you have it! Generosity, humility, and pragmatism are core principles that Raghav and all aspiring managers must embody to achieve great leadership!