Invest in yourself to be an effective executive. Managing across the organisation is essential when you are part of the management team. Indeed, the success of an organisation depends on how well the management team works together. Collaboration and cooperation are key. Ultimately, to be a good leader you need to be able to move easily In 2014, the Harvard Business Review between managing up, down and across – reported that women consistently say that that’s how you earn a place in the boardroom, they feel less effective in meetings than they do in other business situations. Often, for fear where you can have an impact on your organisation’s ability to perform effectively. of being judged as too aggressive, they are barely heard. By mastering a few basic skills, you can unlock your inner confidence and be Know your shareholders Engaging with shareholders is vital, and the leader you are. thanks to the multitude of communication channels at our disposal today, it is easier Managing up, across and beneath than ever. Try to ensure ongoing dialogue Making yourself heard in the boardroom throughout the year and to eliminate the begins with some workplace basics. To potential for surprises at board meetings. get results and achieve the goals set by top Women often struggle to make themselves heard in the workplace and, more particularly, in the boardroom. Janine Hills, CEO of Vuma Reputation Management, unpacks the steps you can take to make colleagues listen up.
management, it is critical to learn how to manage up, across and down. In managing up, keep your superior informed of all the key things they need to know. Be proactive. Bring your ideas, thoughts and suggestions to the table. When managing down, focus on engaging staff, and not on being the boss. A team leader has a big impact on morale and productivity. It starts with communication. Letting people know what’s going on makes them feel empowered and important. Be direct, but also be fair. Ask people what they think and take their opinions and ideas into consideration. Also, be available and accessible. Avoid micromanaging and rather give your team autonomy.
Know your primary influencers and how they influence the business Stakeholder management is a critical component of success in the boardroom. It helps to create positive relationships with stakeholders through the appropriate management of their expectations and agreed objectives. Your stakeholder management strategy should identify the approach you take in order to increase support and decrease negative impacts of stakeholders. Apply it to identify the key stakeholders along with the level of power and influence they have on the organisation.
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