CRISIS LEADERSHIP— BAD FOR BUSINESS
Los Angeles and Toronto - (BusinessWire) -- Nov 16. 2005

Using a commanding style of leadership when the situation doesn't call for it causes more problems then it solves.

Extreme crises, such as with hurricanes Rita and Katrina, the London subway bombings, or 9/11, require a swift, definitive, commanding style of leadership. We need the determination, decisiveness, and toughness of the “Crisis Conqueror” in such circumstances.

Unfortunately, too many business leaders adopt this same style of leading in their approach to day-to-day business. The results of this one-size-fits-all approach are widespread: low morale, high turnover, and mediocre performance. Many executives are disappointed and confused by such conditions, but fail to see any connection to their leadership approach. According to Scott Campbell and Ellen Samiec, leadership development specialists, and authors of 5-D Leadership: Key Dimensions for Leading in the Real World (Davies-Black Publishing, U.S.$27.95, CAN $34.95; ISBN 0-89106-197-5), “there is no one right way to lead for all situations. Leaders need to be flexible in their approach and use a commanding style only in times of genuine crisis.”

In their book, Campbell and Samiec identify the five key approaches—what they call, Leadership Dimensions—used by the most effective leaders in dealing skillfully with the realities of today’s complex business environment. These are:

• Visioning: creating a clear and compelling picture of a desired future and convincingly communicating that picture to others
  
• Relating: creating harmony to build an effective team and resolve conflicts
  
• Enrolling: getting buy-in by seeking input to increase quality of information and commitment
  
• Coaching: developing individuals performance and potential to grow top performers and future leaders
  
• Commanding: taking charge and seeking immediate compliance to resolve a genuine crisis

Lasting leadership effectiveness requires the ability to shift between these five leadership approaches, responding to what each situation demands. In this way, leaders get exceptional results in productivity from people.

Scott Campbell and Ellen Samiec are the founding partners of 5-D Leadership, www.5DLeadership.com, a Toronto-based Executive leadership development training, coaching and consulting firm, who have worked internationally with companies such as Nike, IBM and General Electric.

For more information or to arrange an interview contact Ellen Samiec (416) 410-4477, ellen@5DLeadership.com; www.5DLeadership.com

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