As senior leaders in today’s fast-paced corporate world, it is easy to become absorbed with the pressing problems that arise on a daily basis. The C-suite routinely faces board requests, routine meetings, vendor issues, compliance deviations, and unforeseen HR challenges. However, this concentration on “it” can often impede executive teams from focusing on “we”. Being more aligned and successful in resolving those challenges. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of the pronoun “we” in executive team strategy and how it can lead to more aligned and effective problem-solving.
There is a story of a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) who successfully brought a new product to market. The story illustrates the significance of the pronoun “we”. Her procurement team not only discovered the upcoming technology but also created a novel collaboration deal with two vendors to co-develop it. Six months ago, a business unit leader invited the chief purchasing officer to brainstorm with his team on how to fast bring a new product to market. The manner in which an executive team collaborates and solves challenges together is crucial.
The Four Characteristics
To be an effective executive team, the following four characteristics must be developed:
- Greater good: Leaders think beyond their particular responsibilities. They share knowledge with their colleagues and make decisions with the greater good in mind.
- Dedication: The leadership team’s actions are consistent with what they say in meetings. In all circumstances, the group exhibits alignment and cohesion along the agreed-upon course of action.
- Trust: The executive team assumes a position based on trust (rather than control). In addition to trusting each other, they have faith in the problem-solving abilities of those who report to them.
- Inclusion: The C-suite actively employs an inclusive attitude, which means that when engaging with one another, they strive to ensure that every team member feels valued by the group, capable of carrying out their obligations, and understood on a personal level.
Many teams excel in all four of these characteristics, although most excel in a few. Executive teams that take the time to discuss previously taboo subjects, such as concepts deemed above criticism. This can help bring their weaknesses to light. This will increase their overall performance, including the strained relationships within the team. It is crucial for the leadership team to emphasize “we” in order to become more aligned and effective in resolving day-to-day business issues. By cultivating these four essential characteristics, the executive team may collaborate for the organization’s larger good.
In conclusion, the “we” in executive team strategy is critical for an organization’s success. By focusing on being more aligned and effective in resolving challenges, the executive team can work together. This achieves the greater good for the organization. By developing the four essential characteristics the executive team can improve their collaboration and problem-solving abilities.
