Celebrating the Leaders of Leaders - the unsung heroes!

As we delve deeper into our series, exploring the diverse roles leaders take on within organisations, our focus this month revolves around 'Leaders of other Leaders'. Read our full blog here.?

Traditionally, the perception has been that as leaders ascend the ranks, they become more visible, commanding attention through captivating narratives and impactful statements. We often idolise eloquent speakers who occupy top positions in globally recognised businesses, seemingly single-handedly steering organizational triumphs. However, the reality is far from this illusion. Behind every celebrated leader is a group of dedicated individuals diligently fulfilling their roles, often unnoticed.?

These leaders of leaders bear the brunt of responsibility for directional shifts, evolving objectives, and the performance of their teams. They operate under intense scrutiny from superiors and subordinates alike, enduring long hours, absorbing pressure from all sides, yet receiving minimal acknowledgment.?

Recently, during a senior leader program kick off, one participant shared a poignant insight. When asked about their greatest leadership challenge, they confessed their apprehension about their absence. They questioned whether they had equipped their team with adequate support and guidance to excel when they weren’t there.?

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." – Lao Tzu?

Lao Tau knew a bit about leadership. For every high-performing team, there's a leader of leaders toiling in the background, cultivating an environment conducive to success, overseeing the broader perspective and collaborative dynamics between teams. This is precisely why we've selected "The Culture Code" as our recommended book for May.?

So, if you’re thinking about leadership development, it’s important this group is not overlooked. Just because they are more senior, more experienced, it doesn’t mean they don’t have learning and development needs. Some might argue that these leaders need the most support.?

To all the unsung heroes fulfilling the role of leaders of leaders, know that your contributions are invaluable. Despite often operating behind the scenes, your efforts are indispensable to every business's success. So, if you find yourself not receiving regular recognition, take heart. It's likely a testament to your exceptional work. We at LIW salute you and want you to know that you are seen and appreciated!

Books We Love. ??????

? ?

The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

Diving into 'The Culture Code' by Daniel Coyle, you'll explore the intricate web of dynamics that shape successful teams. Coyle unveils the secrets behind high-performing groups, emphasizing trust, vulnerability, and shared purpose as essential ingredients. With engaging anecdotes and practical insights, he reveals the blueprint for fostering exceptional team culture.?

Explore the book?here

Learning Science We Love. ??????

If you are considering your leaders' different needs and possible learning solutions, we found the linked article useful. It sets out some quality thinking on the criteria that should be considered in leadership development programs. We like this particularly because it delves into how needs change as leaders mature, citing shifts in elements such as self-awareness, motivation and the process of gaining knowledge. And, so importantly, the article points out that the primary driver for any leadership development is performance!?

Work with us

LIW has extensive experience supporting leaders of leaders across the globe, with award-winning programs. One of the key factors of our programs is equipping leaders with the ability to ‘see the system’ and helping them focus on creating the ideal environment for others to thrive and perform. To discuss how our approach could support your middle managers book a time with Kylie on our team??

Warm regards

Dan