The Future of Leadership: Overmanaged, Under Led with Graham Wilson

by Therese Spiers

In the 186th episode of The Leadership Project podcast, we are honoured to be joined by Graham Wilson , affectionately known as the Leadership Wizard. Graham is the founder of Success Factory, an organisation that offers bespoke programs for leadership, and the author of the influential handbook "Leadership Laid Bare." Graham's fundamental premise is that older styles of management do not suit the modern world; we are over-managed and under-led. In this blog post, we'll explore why traditional models of leadership are failing and what we need to do differently as we evolve into a new era of leadership.

A Journey from Military to Corporate Leadership

Graham's leadership journey began at the age of 16 when he joined the military. His experiences in the military world taught him the essence of amazing leadership and provided him with valuable insights that were missing in the corporate world. The transition from the military to corporate life unveiled a gap; the corporate world was overmanaged but lacked true leadership. To address this, he founded Success Factory over 30 years ago to challenge leaders and encourage them to rethink their contextual and educational approaches.

Reimagining Education for Leadership

Our current education system often discourages collaboration, equating it to cheating. This mindset is contrary to the real world, where collaboration is essential. In countries like Finland, education systems are evolving to teach subjects in an integrated manner rather than in isolation, thereby promoting teamwork and interconnected thinking. Graham suggests that education should focus on developing leadership and emotional intelligence from an early stage, challenging the outdated model of isolated learning.

Three C's: Collaboration, Connection, Co-Creation

Graham emphasises three crucial components of leadership: collaboration, connection, and co-creation. Collaboration is not just a tool; it's a mindset that needs to be ingrained in organisations. Connection refers to understanding the interdependencies within the organisation, and co-creation is about coming together to innovate and solve problems collaboratively. Breaking down silos within organisations can foster a collaborative mindset, leading to better decision-making and innovation.

The Power of Slowing Down to Speed Up

One of the most profound lessons Graham learned from his background in motor racing is that sometimes you need to slow down to speed up. In leadership, this means taking the time to reflect, strategise, and understand the context rather than rushing into decisions. Leaders often fall into the trap of being operational and reactive, missing out on strategic opportunities. Slowing down allows leaders to make informed decisions and create a high-performance environment where success is inevitable.

Empowering Teams and Building Trust

The cornerstone of effective leadership is empowering teams and building trust. In the military, leadership is about sharing the mission and empowering those closest to the problem to solve it. This approach can be translated to the corporate world, where leaders should provide direction and autonomy to their teams. A supportive leadership style that focuses on enabling rather than controlling fosters an environment of trust and high performance.

Self-Leadership and Authenticity

Effective leadership starts with self-awareness. Leaders need to understand their strengths, values, and non-negotiables. Authenticity in leadership builds trust and connection with the team. Graham advocates for leaders to create a "plan on a page" that outlines where they are now, where they want to be, and how they will get there. This clarity helps in aligning the team's efforts and achieving organisational goals.

Resilience and Continuous Learning

Resilience is a critical trait for leaders, and it involves continuously learning and adapting. Graham shares a personal project with his daughter, Jenny, who overcame significant challenges to achieve success. Their joint book on resilience emphasises the importance of bouncing back and growing from setbacks. Leaders need to foster resilience within their teams by providing support and encouraging a growth mindset.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of leadership requires a shift from overmanagement to true leadership. By fostering collaboration, connection, and co-creation, slowing down to speed up, empowering teams, and being authentic and resilient, leaders can navigate the complexities of the modern world. Graham Wilson's insights provide a roadmap for leaders to evolve and thrive. For more resources on leadership and to learn about Graham's programs, visit https://www.thesuccessfactory.co.uk and GrahamWilson.com.

Call to Action

How are you going to apply these leadership principles to your own context? Are you ready to redefine your approach to leadership? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation about shaping the future of leadership.

For more information and resources on leadership, check out https://www.thesuccessfactory.co.uk and Graham Wilson's personal website.

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