Robert S.
Inspired Entrepreneur. Tech Enthusiast. Passionate About Student Success.
Do you agree with this statement, "Leadership is the most important competitive advantage of a company"?
Peter Drucker had noted in one of his articles for the WSJ in the early-90's that, "Leadership is the most important competitive advantage of a company. Not technology, finance, operations nor anything else."
Do you agree/disagree? Some have challenged Drucker’s core concepts, but I do agree with the above statement. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Respectfully,
-Robert
Good Answers (4)
VICENTE T.
MAM, MSChE, Outcomes and Performance Measurement, Energy, Oil, Gas, NGL, Chemical, Petrochemical, Fertilizer,Real Estate
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Dear Robert
Just in case we are talking about leadership then IMHO Level 5 Leadership is the answer.
A capstone research project through a Master of Arts in Management, which I was able to do as follow:
Tanasi, V. (2001). Service, Human Resources Performance, Ethics, And Leadership As Core Competences To Develop The Global Work Force. Saint Paul, MN, USA
Regards.
Vicente
Links:
- http://hbr.org/hb-main/resources/pdfs/comm/microsoft/level-five.pdf
- http://www.math.sfu.ca/~van/diverse/bellut-papers/test-6.pdf
- http://views.washingtonpost.com/leadership/leadership_playlist/2010/06/does...
Clarification added July 5, 2010:
Organizational change and characteristics of leadership effectiveness.
By Ann Gilley & Heather S. McMillan & Jerry W. Gilley | Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies - August, 2009
http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/205746070_1.html
Clarification added July 5, 2010:
Examining the effects of leadership development on firm performance
Journal of Leadership Studies
Volume 4, Issue 1, Date: Spring 2010, Pages: 59-70
Afroditi Dalakoura
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to identify the constructs that affect leadership development in an organization and investigate the impact of leadership development on firm performance. Using structural equation modeling, the study showed a positive relationship between differentiation strategies and leadership development. No relationship was found between environmental dynamism and leadership development or organizational size and leadership development. The positive impact of leadership development on firm performance, as measured through financial and market outcomes, was validated.
Clarification added July 5, 2010:
A new global ethic
Anthony Howard
How leaders who align personal purpose with
organisational mission and societal need can
have a positive impact on the world
Originally published in the Journal of Management Development, Vol 29 number 5, June 2010
http://confideregroup.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/201006-JMD-New-Global-Ethic.pdf
Clarification added July 5, 2010:
Leader cognition: Improving leader performance through causal analysis
Richard T. Marcya, , and Michael D. Mumfordb
Abstract
Prior qualitative research has indicated that leader performance in complex environments requires active analysis of the key causes operative in the organizational system. To provide some quantitative evidence to bear on this proposition, 160 undergraduates were presented with a computer simulation task that placed the participant in the role of a university president in charge of raising educational quality on campus. Training in the analysis of causes was provided, along with additional manipulations which varied the quality of case readings as well as levels of complexity in the environment. Overall, it was found that training in causal analysis significantly improved leader performance. The implications of these findings for understanding leader performance in complex environments are discussed
The Leadership Quarterly, Volume 21, Issue 1, February 2010, Pages 1-19
Richard T. Marcy and Michael D. Mumford
Leadership's activation of team cohesion as a strategic asset: an empirical simulation.
by Michalisin, Michael D.^Karau, Steven J.^Tangpong, Charnchai
Journal of Business Strategies • Spring, 2007 •
Abstract
The current study examined the linkage between leadership, team cohesion, and superior performance using group process and performance data collected from a strategic management simulation conducted over a four-month period. Results showed that organizational leadership was not directly associated with superior performance (SP) of simulated firms. However, leadership was significantly associated with team cohesion, which in turn was significantly associated with SP, suggesting that leadership may strengthen performance indirectly by effectuating key group process mechanisms. Consistent with the Resource Based View of the firm, these findings suggest that leader behavior, through its positive impact on the development of team cohesion, can yield superior performance.
http://savvy.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/165017894_1.html
Pete T.
Exec. Vice Pres at 911/wtcFirst RespondersFoundation
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Robert; I am definately a fan of Peter Drucker...... and its very hard to fault the value of leadership...... Leadership has sooo many nuances.
There was a time, I would have said that companies can only succeed with one of three CEOs..... The salesman, the Artisan/Tradesman or the Finance expert. Life was simpler then. Each ran the company from a different prospective..
Remember to this very day there are only three core avenues to success. You can exist with pretty much two of the three, but one won't work, and three can become a dynasty.... They are Price/Quality/Delivery .
If I deliver Quality and my Price is fair... you might wait longer to get it. If I can get it to you overnight and the quality is "sufficient" for your use... you might pay more... anyway you get the idea..
Life is much more complicated now. Global reach, with ever increasing technology. Not even "Chief Executives" of countries can carry the ball alone. Leadership today is a faciltating proposition.. I think I would change the remark to Corporate collaboration is the most competitive advantage of a company.
Ben B.
Enterprise Management/Monitoring Consultant
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I agree, “Leadership is the most important competitive advantage of a company”. Without leadership, a great product requires more time to reach the market and good employees fail to support the corporate direction and leave or sabotage the efforts of the sales team. In my experience, the only place where this type of leadership existed was the Marine Corps. There is a clear mission, we were free to disagree and ask questions, yet we all knew exactly what to – without question – when the mission required it. In my corporate experience, it is different. The executive management starts the year with some grand vision and objectives. However, the folks talking to the customers never understand exactly what this means. In the end the rewards go to someone who reaches quota but sold a solution that it is impossible to support. The rewards and punishments throughout the year never seemed to match the goals stated at the start of the year. Leadership – in touch with the organization and knows how to motivate and correct behavior that does not support the stated goals (right or wrong) – solves this problem. I have disagreed with the direction given to me by true leaders but I did the job. The good leaders recognized the need for change and made it. Poor leadership leaves it to a cadre of middle management that never changes to do what they direct with no feedback. As I stated earlier, this is what I have seen and it supports the statement, “Leadership is the most important competitive advantage of a company”.
Carolynn V.
Professional Copywriter, Editor/Proofreader, Content Developer, Strategist | Voice-Over Talent
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All the previous answers contain valid points, but my contention is that an insightful leader or leadership team is indeed the most important asset a company or organization can possess in a competitive marketplace. I've seen instances where a good company with a viable product line and strong market position has been nearly eradicated because of poor or lack or leadership. The company leader (CEO, President) is the captain of the ship and must set the course. Employees who trust their leader and are engaged with his/her vision will implement the tasks needed to succeed. Inspiration and engagement have to begin at the top and be communicated throughout the ranks. Historically, it's easy to identify empires that have crumbled because the head of state was distracted, disengaged and unable to lead. Companies and organizations are no different.
Thanks for raising this point.
More Answers (24)
Kevin H.
Web Business Consultant since 1998
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The most important competitive advantage is an empowered workforce with a mission. The leaders are the final decision-makers and steering wheel, but they are not the engine.
Leadership is of course, by definition and not by dictate of a smart best-selling author, the most important determinant of a company's direction. Yet a company is its people, and a true leader knows that. A true leader helps his people become all they can be.
All too often we forget the engine and wheels and accessories and focus on the steering wheel, as if the steering wheel itself can do anything. If there is one thing the Internet makes clear, it is that MILLIONS of people have great ideas and great skills. Focusing on the sole leader or leaders de-values them.
But, it is possible I agree with your premise, as leadership is the first link in the chain. Wozniak made computers. Jobs led. Scully made Pepsi. Jobs came back to Apple and led.
Dan S.
Field Technical Support Rep IV − LTE at
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Robert,
The MOST important competitive advantage of a company is it's PRODUCT and it's PEOPLE, not the leadership. The Leadership can try to bring together the right people, but unless you are only into WRITING (which is what Drucker is), without a product, and people to implement it, you are sunk.
Dan
E. L. (Betsy) S.
Cary Raleigh NC - Leadership Development Expert, Certified Coach, Co-Author Second Blooming, Leadership for Nurses
Good leadership is important in creating a competitive advantage in a company, but bad leadership can run the company into the ground. good leaders understand that "it's about the people", the people are the competitive advantage. Good leaders know the strengths of each of their team members and by acknowledging those strengths, they fully engage those team members. Good leaders lead utilizing appreciative inquiry, focusing on the positive.
Links:
Bernard G.
Programme, Project & Change expert
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Yes, because without good leadership a company will fail to take advantage of it's other competitive advantages (or even gain them, or recognise what they have).
Dave C.
Consultant Project Manager who boosts cooperation and motivation to lead extraordinary successes. Writer.
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I tend to agree. Good leadership is how people within an organisation are inspired and encouraged to excel.
If I put my disagreeing hat on, the voice from beneath the brim would utter this counter-suggestion: Ambition.
Then the first voice would say: You need a leader to create and define the ambition.
Mick V.
Developing Leaders & Effective Organizations
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Hi Robert
I note that you said leaderSHIP, and I think that widespread leaderSHIP behavior rather than skilled leaderS is the answer you’re looking for. It’s what has enabled many organizations to survive inept leaderS.
Best, Mick
I would agree that effective leadership is the most important, where effective is defined as motivating the employees to enthusiastically support the company's goals. Leadership without effective followership is a joke.
Ken C.
Innovation Strategist | Digital Strategist
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Yes, because such leaders understand that they must follow through on the other essential competitive components.
Hi Robert,
Lots of goods answers already. I'd like to add a couple from the Project Portfolio Excellence BOK that I think speak to the importance of Leadership in the development of a competitive advantage:
PPE Truth #22 - You can’t lead people who fear you, you can only drive them. You can’t drive people to excellence, you can only lead them.
Effective leaders foster an environment where the folks who truly understand the daily details and challenges (Business Professionals and Technology Professionals) feel confident that they can report truthfully, without fear of recrimination. Because:
PPE Truth #26 - "You can’t reach to the future if your hands are covering your ass!"
Links:
I think leadership is very important to the company, but not the only thing. You also need capabilities and Human resources to follow this leadership.
Make the things happens depends of human resources, but you need both if you go ahead to get goals.
Take into account and not forget the people involved who believe and motivates in leadership followers.
Tiffany F.
Director of Recruiting - ConnecTV - Innovative SocialTV Platform / SFBayArea + LosAngeles
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Sadly, I've seen poor leadership destroy all of the above, so I would have to agree with the statement as shallow as it may seem on the surface.
Wallace J.
Multimedia Producer, i3D Programmer, Acrobat 3D PDF, Android App, Virtual World & iTV Design, Kindle, Nook & Sony eBooks
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Disagree... Intellectual Property. Positioning. Strategy. Technology. Overhead.
Frank F.
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The leader sets the tone and the culture.
But even the best leaders have weaknesses,
they are human.
So it then depends on the corporate culture
to carry the day.
In the end, the biggest competitive advantage
is the ability to sustain customer-led innovation.
The leader must drive that.
Terri L M.
Business Strategies Consultant putting small businesses on track for success; speaker, trainer, author.
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Robert:
I think I'd have to expand on Mr. Drucker's comment to include 'Exceptional' leadership is the most important competitive advantage of a company. The exceptional leader will influence all of the other organization's critical factors to achieve success for the company.
Adrian S.
Practical Strategy & Marketing Coach and Consultant | Focus on Customer Retention, Experience & Service
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Hi Robert,
I disagree on this point with Drucker as I believe the most important competitive advantage of a company is what it delivers and that is a function of its product/service, its people and its leadership.
Adrian
Links:
Michael Oberlaender M.
Chief Security Officer
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Robert,
I agree with Drucker's statement: the way it is written implies we're talking about good (excellent) leadership. A company can have the greatest technology - without the leadership to place it, it's worth nothing (many examples in the past). A company may have optimal finances - without leadership to use the right amount for the development and marketing of the right products etc. it will not continue to prosper. The same with operations - poor leadership and you've operated the company into a huge stockpile raising costs, outdated technologies and unwanted products. Leadership creates the bracket which is holding it alltogether - and steering it (the company) through the tides of the global economics.
Respectfully,
Michael
Ryan ".
Independent Sound Engineer at RedSound Live Audio
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I haven't studied this, but I would imagine there's a "bell curve" to leadership performance. i.e. some do pretty poorly, most are about average, and then there's some that standout way above the rest.
I'd think a company with top performing leaders in the C-suite would certainly have an advantage over the rest.
Dana W.
Marketing Manager at Avant Healthcare Marketing
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Yes and no.
I think there are many people who call themselves leaders and ascend to leadership positions without being willing to actually be a leader. The wrong person in a leadership role can seriously impact the health of a company.
I've asked a similar question about when the "best" product wasn't the market leader, and most of the responses had to do with poor marketing which came down to leadership.
Our industry (pharmaceuticals) has seen 35K jobs lost this year alone, ~200K over the past 2 years. Most are high-paying jobs, many in R&D and sales. The "leaders" who set the goals and have the discussions with analysts have largely been unaffected by the layoffs.
So, yes, in a nutshell, I agree that leadership can literally make or break a company.
Phil L.
Information Technology Manager/Consultant
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Yes
I agree, root cause behind any failure in business / community / country / system is failed leadership.
Christine H.
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Yes, because that's where the vision resides.
People are the most important competitive advantage of any company. Everything else a company does - product, pricing, packaging, promotion, place - can be copied.
Leadership (the leaders) are people. Yes. I agree.
Though important, it is not the key to competitive advantage. To me it is its employees and innovative products and services. A company must continue to innovate its offerings in order to maintain a competitive advantage. The only way to do that is to empower its people to continuously create and or improve products and then bring them to market quickly.
Links:
Chris B.
Rogue CFO - Outsourced CFO & Board of Director member for growth stage ventures http://www.roguecfo.com
Best Answers in: Starting Up (1), Wireless (1)
Not really, any company can bring in effective leadership. Not a competitive advantage. Competitive advantage is something sustainable if you ask me, and that's quickly changable.
