What makes one leader more effective than another? Effective leaders develop an ability to tailor their approach in response to the needs of their organization and their markets. At Insight Experience, we call this idea balanced leadership. But what is balanced leadership?
Balanced leadership is the idea that effective leaders are balanced across three key dimensions: tactical and strategic focus, internal and external orientation, and their analytical and interpersonal approach.
To best explain these dimensions, let's consider Alex, who recently completed an Insight Experience program. In past roles, Alex had been very successful by staying in tune with market and consumer trends, analyzing data, and getting day-to-day tasks done. Through the business simulation experience, Alex learned to build on her strengths and balance these activities with understanding her team's dynamics, developing her direct reports so they could grow, and articulating a long-term vision.
During the simulation, Alex drove financial results while also developing her people and improving their performance. She participated in a role-play activity, practicing giving feedback and conducting difficult conversations. She learned that good relationships can uncover strategic insights for the company and that effectively communicating a vision can inspire her team.
Alex’s Insight Experience training helped her see the bottom-line business value of a balanced leadership approach and empowered her with a new sense of purpose and confidence.
