In an Uncertain World: Leaders, Entrepreneurs and Managers

01

"Entrepreneurs" are necessary to create new possibilities, new industries, and new products that didn’t exist before. Once they have gotten the ball rolling, however, "managers" should step in to introduce protocols, efficiency, and to disseminate the product throughout the global market. ... "Leaders" come into play when an old idea has run its course. Their job is to step in and re-orient existing organizations to make new commitments and pursue new opportunities."

02

"Instead of re-shaping their company or division in their own image, Nohria says that leaders should focus on creating an environment in which others can make productive decisions for them.

"The real gift of a leader is when you can enable others to make decisions on behalf of the institution where you feel they make better decisions than you could make yourself," he says.

"One should think of [leadership] more as an opportunity for influence rather an opportunity for power."

03

"Employees often expect their bosses to behave according to their backgrounds; executives that have a marketing background are expected to behave like marketers, executives that come from a financial background are expected to behave like financiers, etc.

Part of a leader’s job is to convince his or her employees that he or she is able to view the company holistically.

"[Effective leadership] takes building a relationship where people come to trust that you in fact have the interests of the organization as a whole," he says.

"Then they look beyond your previous identity and begin to see you in your new role."

Via Big Think, Leadership Lessons for an Uncertain World.