One significant factor that separates one organisation from another is the effectiveness of its people - its 'intellectual capital'. To make the best use of this wealth of untapped energy, leaders must provide the arena in which its staff can reach their full potential.
Strategic leadership is about having the vision to establish a future direction, communicating a strategic intent to move in that direction and, finally, acting with confidence in the execution of that intent.
Strategic leadership requires making wise and deliberate choices about how, when and with whom to lead. This style of what is often called 'transformational' leadership is not an entitlement. It must be earned and sustained.
Effective strategic leaders therefore have clarity of vision, excellent communication skills and, perhaps because they exert influence primarily through subordinates, they display effective skills in selecting and developing high quality second-tier leaders.
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