Speed Up Your AI program With Highly Efficacious Leaders

In the realm of impactful words, 'efficacious' means to 'have the power to produce the desired effect' (and is pronounced Eff-uh-k-she-us).

It's a term that captures the essence of a leadership style, essential for success in a world of Human + AI teams. It is characterised by effectiveness, courage, and a compassionate nature.  We are talking about leadership that goes beyond the ordinary.

Imagine a leader who consistently gets things right on the first try. They don’t plow ahead with their agenda leaving other teams in their wake, nor do they throw things over the “functional business fence” to other teams without proper consultation and inclusion. This individual takes the time to pause, thoughtfully working through the best path forward with buy-in and support, to avoid the risk of loss and wasted energy in producing the intended results.

This is a highly efficacious leader.

What does it look like in the workplace?

Efficacious leadership aptly describes leaders skilled at handling sensitive situations with tact and finesse. The leaders who not only navigate complexities gracefully, but also exhibit bravery in facing challenges and difficult conversations head-on. These leaders don’t shy away from accountability. They step-in when no one else will. They volunteer to be held responsible for situations that are uncertain and could go bad, and they hold others accountable for the part they play in delivering the results.

Efficacious leaders support their people to do their best work, which requires having tough tactful conversations in an attentive and understanding way.  They are open and honest about changes that are on the horizon and coach their team to use the opportunity to improve their skills and work processes, and not hide behind assumptions and complaints.

An efficacious leader brings a diplomatic and tactful approach to the table. They are perceptive and understanding, a far cry from the neglectful, 'just tell them to do it' mentality seen in many traditional organizational approaches. This alternative leadership style aims to reduce wasted energy stemming from resistance, complaints, bitterness, and resignations often linked to how employees feel about their managers.

So how do you know if you have highly efficacious leadership in your business?

The diagnostic below describes the 3 levels of maturity. Starting from low on the left-hand side, through to highly mature (and ideal) on the right-hand side.  Where are your leaders?