Effective Leadership for Senior Managers

Leadership for Senior Managers involves a complex and multifaceted set of skills and responsibilities.  Senior managers often occupying executive or leadership roles within an organisation, play a crucial role in shaping the direction, fostering organisational culture, and ensuring the achievement of strategic goals.

Leadership skills are often thought of as something that can’t be taught, or less important in a leader than technical excellence. Every leader needs a grounding in the skills required to be an effective leader.

Key elements of effective leadership for senior managers:

  • Strategic Thinking: Senior managers play a pivotal role in linking day-to-day operations to broader organisational strategy. The ability to think strategically and make informed decisions ensures that teams are working cohesively towards overarching business objectives. Strategic thinking is integral to sustained organisational success.
  • Agility & Change Management: In today's fast-paced business environment, agility is a crucial leadership trait. Senior managers must navigate change with resilience, guiding their teams through transitions and fostering an environment that embraces innovation. The ability to lead through change is a hallmark of effective senior leadership.
  • Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: Senior managers who understand and connect with the emotions of their team members create a supportive and collaborative work environment. Empathy builds trust and promotes open communication, contributing to stronger team dynamics.
  • Effective Communication: Clear and transparent communication is a cornerstone of successful leadership. Senior managers must be adept at conveying expectations, providing feedback, and articulating organisational goals. Effective communication fosters a culture of trust and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
  • Delegation and Empowerment: Effective leaders recognise the strengths of their team members and delegate responsibilities accordingly. Empowering team members not only develops their skills but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. Senior managers who can strike the right balance between delegation and oversight cultivate high-performing teams.
  • Conflict Resolution and Difficult Conversations: Leadership involves navigating through challenging situations. Senior managers must be skilled in resolving conflicts and handling difficult conversations with tact and diplomacy. Addressing issues promptly and constructively contributes to a healthy work environment.

Effective leadership is a continuous journey of growth and refinement. Beyond technical expertise, it is the ability to inspire, guide, and connect with others that defines exceptional leaders. Senior managers who embody these leadership qualities contribute not only to the success of their teams but also to the overall resilience and adaptability of the organisation.

The IQA will be delivering the Effective Leadership for Senior Managers workshop online on 26 March 2024.

For more information and to register, click HERE

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours apply based on the learning time: 3.5 hours

IQA QMCS: Leadership & Management
NSW MOC: 4. Leadership & Management

This workshop is also offered as an in-house training program and can be contextualised to your company's Policies & Procedures.