Knowledge Matrix For Leaders !!

I have been discussing the traits of future leaders with my colleagues & friends. We observe people we come across - students, professionals, CXOs & business owners. We all felt that the leaders who command respect had one thing in common - The Right Knowledge-Mix...a kind of Knowledge Matrix, to prudently balance the multiple realties in which we all find ourselves into.?

The right kind of Knowledge breaks any geographical, social, cultural, and regional barriers effortlessly and puts one on a different pedestal. Perhaps, it is the only currency that you need in any gathering for immediate acceptance and respect.

On deeper reflection, as a society, we Indians are unique. We never equate more money or more power with more respect…the genuine type. As a tribe, we are all knowledge seekers- subconsciously and naturally, gravitating towards its source. There is a great learning to be had from this observation. An opportunity for youngsters to be the “Leaders of the morrow”!!

Acquiring the right Knowledge is a complex proposition. Superficial and skewed knowledge does not take us anywhere. Inclusive & Comprehensive knowledge, tilting towards wisdom is our quest.

I present here the Knowledge Matrix model that we find present in successful Leaders. It is a complex mix so I am deconstructing and presenting it, one layer at a time.

Let us begin with the essential layer. Knowledge related to execution – the skillsets, functional and technical knowledge that is essential to do a job. Domain or Functional Knowledge. This is what they teach you in your college. The Basics.

Probing deeper, we see leaders exhibiting the insight and knowledge of domains related to their domain. Cross-Domain Knowledge. This is the contextual knowledge that is required to do a real time project properly. Any product/service/offering is created using multiple domains. Knowledge of interface is what is essential here. One need not be (and cannot be) experts in multiple domains but knowledge of how domains intersect and interact is required. Working on Live projects with multidisciplinary teams in colleges/organizations generally helps one to acquire this know-how.

Today, we work with diverse set of people. Successful leaders are engaged with their team and genuinely care about individuals. We can categorize these set of skills under People Skills. These are key skillsets required to navigate any real-world environment. Leadership, Collaboration, Learnability, Critical thinking, Communication etc. In this hyperconnected and global world, understanding what motivates an individual, is essential for any type of substantive growth. One needs to embrace diversity and get along with people. Being non-judgmental and keeping an open mind goes a long way.

Performance is a reality. All successful leaders have something called - Make it Happen Ability. This is the mindset & approach one needs to make things happen in the real world. Involvement and focus is the key. Awareness of Innovation, Corporate processes, Regulatory environment, Product Lifecycle, Trends, Ecosystem Landscaping, Business Acumen etc. helps. No college imparts these skill sets. One accumulates them with intuition & experience. You can be the humblest and the most likeable person on earth, but if you cannot get the work done, respect is hard to follow.

Successful leaders are well informed and aware. They are flexible and adjust themselves as per the demand of situation. They have sound General & Situational Awareness. Understanding about the place, its history, heritage, the culture, the people, practices, prevailing learned behavior, belief systems, social structures, etc. For a global professional, this awareness is as important as all the above put together. ?This knowledge helps in alignment, positioning and making the necessary minor modifications required in expression and mannerism. This can be a deal maker or breaker at the highest level. People like to associate with individuals/corporates who are aligned. It is always a good idea to read up on any new place you are visiting and engage with a local citizen to learn about the place and the cultural/societal norms. In any social or business interactions, familiarity and awareness of the situation breeds confidence. When in doubt, active listening and intelligent interjections helps greatly.

All great leaders are aware of their strength and have some idea as to how they can be of help. They offer help and build meaningful relationships. ?This is the knowledge of how one can contribute significantly in a given situation. Insight to be Effective Contributor. Concrete value-add to people and to the condition. What is it that you bring to the table. What is it that you can give. World over, people like givers. People who can provide. Situation analysis, accurate self-assessment, involvement, a positive & genuine intent to support always helps. Relationship is the key to success in Life. Social capital will invariably turn into commercial gains. This is perhaps, the final frontier towards wisdom. The knowledge of how you can make the life of your fellow-being better…

I presented this Knowledge model to my sons. My younger one believes that this is incomplete. He says that “Common Sense” & Empathy is the starting point & the final frontier in any comprehensive model of Leadership. I tend to agree. ????

A truly knowledgeable person is always humble. Conversely, if you are not humble you can never be truly knowledgeable (bordering towards wise)!! Always be humble and modest. ?

World is becoming more and more complex by the day. We are living in the era of Information overload. Separating the “noise” is a big challenge that every individual faces. The right kind of Knowledge-Mix and awareness helps you see the interconnections & patterns. It helps one to keep things in perspective and keep them simple. Simplicity works every time with everyone. The challenge for future leaders will be to counter multiple realties and navigate through opposing philosophies. They need to be agnostics (culture, technology, etc.) and believers. The right knowledge-mix matrix is critical!! ????

#dropintheocean #strategyk