The Tensions Inherent in Good Leadership

There is no recipe for good leadership but it does involve several tensions:

• Do not claim to know the future but articulate a vision.
• Understand the politics but remain above them.
• Respond quickly to situational demands but act to reshape them.
• Focus relentlessly on task but build team cohesion.
• Identify with your employees but be prepared to take a step back.
• Be your authentic self but recognise that you have different, and difficult, roles to play.

For more see: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fc5288e6-f927-11dd-ab7f-000077b07658.html