Do you relate ?

The Mindgym (www.themindgym.com) just this year issued a very interesting white paper on leadership. Now, there are hundreds of articles on leadership ... every day ! So what is special about this one ? The first key difference is that this list of 7 key talents of exceptional managers is based on a  review of the literature in the field, so it is rooted in research and not just about someone coming up with a nice thought in the shower.

The 7 key talents of exceptional managers (the Mindgym)

Secondly, the analysis looked for the link of these leadership qualities and actual financial performance of the companies these managers work for. The result ? These are not just 7 nice 'soft skills' to have ... Companies where the majority of managers are evaluated as demonstrating these 7 skills (through 360 degree reviews) have a financial performance that is on average 25% higher than those where managers do not demonstrate these skills.

The reason "relate" is in the middle of the visual is powerful. "Relate" is the ability to develop, maintain and - where needed - repair relationships with colleagues and team members. Not just being friendly or friends with everyone, but having relationships of mutual respect that are the foundation of delivering what is best for the organization. Of all the 7 key talents, "relate" has a multiplier effect. Those managers that possess all the 6 skills on the circle, as well as relate, will do great and be respected by peers and team members at the same time. However, the opposite is true as well: a manager can excel in the skills of execute, innovate, coach and so forth ... yet when he or she cannot "relate", the effect is equally destructive.

So is the capability to relate to others the golden grail of being a successful manager ... ? Something to think about when you plan for your team's training program !