The New High-Performance Leader

The New High-Performance Leader

Summary

Introduction

Howard M. Guttman outlines the attributes and behaviors of high-performance leaders, emphasizing the shift from traditional hierarchical leadership to a player-centered and team-driven approach. This leadership style fosters shared accountability, adaptability, and a focus on relationships.

Key Dimensions of High-Performance Leadership

1. The Leader as Architect:

   • Leaders must create a "blueprint" for horizontal, high-performance organizations, emphasizing alignment on strategy, roles, and goals.

   • Effective leaders surround themselves with accountable, empowered team members.

2. Letting Go and Mentoring:

   • Leaders act as enablers rather than omniscient decision-makers.

   • Mentorship includes providing resources, coaching, and allowing team members to learn from their mistakes.

3. Building Relationships:

   • Relationships are the cornerstone of leadership, requiring honesty, transparency, and open communication.

Player-Centered Leadership

1. Adaptive Leadership Styles:

   • Leadership behaviors (Prescribing, Coaching, Collaborating, Empowering) should align with team members’ skills and engagement levels.

   • Empowerment fosters accountability and reduces dependency on leaders.

2. Adjusting Leadership to Team Needs:

   • Leaders should diagnose engagement and skill levels of team members to tailor their approach.

3. Challenges in Behavioral Change:

   • Leaders may resist adapting due to personal habits or insecurities. Feedback and self-awareness are essential for improvement.

Conflict Management as a Core Leadership Capability

1. The Role of Leaders:

   • Leaders must manage—not eliminate—conflict to ensure productive outcomes.

   • Effective conflict management starts with setting a collaborative tone and addressing issues directly.

2. Avoiding Extremes:

   • Leadership should be assertive, balancing sensitivity to others’ needs with achieving goals.

3. Feedback and Self-Reflection:

   • Regular feedback helps leaders maintain effective conflict management styles.

Follow a Leader: Case Study

• Grant Reid, EVP of Mars Snack Sales, exemplifies high-performance leadership by:

  1. Building on past lessons without assigning blame.

  2. Prioritizing relationship-building through candid, open discussions.

  3. Actively participating in team tasks and showing commitment.

  4. Encouraging team alignment on strategy and responsibilities.

  5. Modeling open communication and accountability.

  6. Keeping personal ego in check to prioritize team success.

High-Performance Leadership IQ Test

Leaders are encouraged to self-assess their ability to:

• Align teams on strategy and goals.

• Act as facilitators and role models.

• Empower team members.

• Adapt their leadership behavior to suit team dynamics.

Conclusion

Leadership is both an art and a discipline. High-performance leaders focus on fostering accountability, empowering teams, and maintaining adaptability to drive organizational success.

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About the Author

Howard M. Guttman is a management consultant specializing in high-performance teams and conflict resolution. His clients include global corporations, and he is a sought-after speaker and contributor to professional publications.