Challenges of Leadership
Focusing on leadership challenges across different Levels which includes –Frontline, Mid-Level, Senior Level, Executives etc. Also target would be to provide a solution for how to handle them.
THE TOP LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES AT FRONTLINE MANAGERS
It is regardless of where they are residing or working, those managing others in the supervisory roles reported that the common challenge is time and frustration –since the pandemic, situation has already worsened. 5 top challenges for Frontline mangers are as under-
There is report by Frontline managers what their top leadership issues is feeling overwhelmed with inefficiencies and frustrated with others. It includes challenges with offering guidance to direct report, dealing with difficult employees and overcoming resistant to change and adjusting to the communication and style of feedback to collaborate more effectively with different people.
Juggling of day to day challenges which they overcome. Such as managing others who were formally peers or employees who are older than they are – and just generally gaining respect as an initial leader.
Requirement of additional and stronger process of addressing organizational problems.
They also face challenges while they have to share the feedback and directions, conducting coaching conversation and then dealing with resistance from direct reports.
Other commonly visible challenges are-being an active listener, understanding the perspective of others, improving flexibility and being less reactive in pursuit of an ideal self.
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Managers who are leading from the Middle –with senior leaders above them and direct- face similar challenges of leadership.
Top challenge of leader at this level is their own limitations and feelings of inadequacy, as they often must overcome their own doubts about their readiness to lead and abilities-as well as the doubts of supervisors and peers. Dealing with the challenge of individual limitations requires overcoming syndrome of imposter, humility to seek the input of others, courage of doing correct thing, and projecting confidence while communicating effectively.
Since the pandemic, mid-level managers have reported that as the new cultures came in, that is of hybrid and flexibility at workplace.
In a tumultuous work environment, managers may struggle to deliver result. Leading within the challenging business context requires the careful deployment of limited resources, improved processes and keeping employees motivated and engaged.
Leadership who wants to be Successful requires the ability to influence others beyond one’s group-often without formal authority. From those leading from the middle, the challenge of influencing others across functions involves building credibility, building and bridging credibility and developing cross-organizational networks.
They find difficult to balance competing project and people priorities, especially when they are sandwiched between their employee engagement and project based deadlines. It’s an important paradox that managers should manage both relationship and tasks. When you have a limited resource motivating team members who vary in abilities, personality and experience can feel at odds with effective project management.
LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES FOR SENIOR LEADERS
Before pandemic of COVID, limited self-awareness was cited as the most frequent leadership issue among senior leadership who head up functions, business units, divisions and departments but the frequency of the challenges dropped suddenly in recent times.? The challenge of overcoming credibility gaps, on the other hand, has become more pressing after the pandemic.
The credibility of supervisor and leadership is quite essential. Examples include, gaining the trust of the stakeholders, and enhancing the visibility within an organization, senior leaders may also need to strengthen their leadership presence or image to be most effective.
Making the strategic shifts for maximizing the market growth and sales is another top challenges. It may include, expanding the organization beyond core products, extending market reach shifting to the market/ customer orientation and better aligning of sales.
Challenge is to influencing the organization to improve and accept new processes, which requires being the strategic leader, effective boundary spanning leadership and developing and developing a broader perspective.
Understanding how others perceive them and recognize their impact on others, along with improving their approachability, confidence and communication style.
HOW TO RESPOND TO TOP LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES-
TIPS FOR LEADERS ADDRESS THE MOST COMMON LEADERSHIP ISSUES-
Across all levels of leadership, the common challenges of leadership generally fall into 3 high level themes-
Individual need to learn to be more assertive during developing confidence, interactions and understanding how peers are perceiving you. Individuals overcome leadership issues and create value for their organizations by focusing on the unique contributions which only they can make.? One has to understand his or her own characteristics, habits and behaviours in order to know what may be triggering challenges for you in your career. In such manner, you can work toward increasing your self-awareness and strengthening specific skills and growing as an individual leader. Understanding your own strength and weaknesses and maximizing your unique value are part of improving personal leadership brand.
The demands of handling both people and task. Challenges include managing for the first time, building cooperation between people and overseeing multiple projects that compete for resource and importance. You will be extra productive, if you share your responsibilities to your colleagues and build more trust on your team if you delegate. You can use the following 4 steps for delegating tasks. They are-
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Working within the larger system of an organization, is another challenge. Examples, include working in a dynamic business environment, needing stronger operational processes and creating cross-functional influence. As a leader you should be able to lead and create teams effectively. To build high performing teams you need to use four components mentioned below-
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·???????? Collective mind-set
·???????? Cohesive relationship
·???????? Connection?
When a mid-level manager has an ineffective style of interpersonal, they struggle with relationship. It can play out on the spectrum from dominating interactions to lacking of the self-confidence to be assertive. On the other hand, effective interpersonal styles and embodying the characteristics of good leader allow for honest and open conversation.