4 Behaviors of a Savvy Leader – Is Your Executive and Leadership Development Program Creating these skills?

When savvy executives get into positions of authority, they try to optimize decision making and foster innovation. They use leadership skills and strategies to ensure the flow of accurate, timely information and useful suggestions from every part of their organizations. In fact, savvy leaders typically use their executive influence to help their organizations become meritocracies.

Based upon helping thousands of executives take their skills to the next level, here are some of the key behaviors that the savvy leader demonstrates:

1. Receptivity to feedback and challenge. Unlike an Overly Political leader’s punishment of candor, the savvy leader seeks feedback and rewards people who add value through criticizing or pushing back against ideas.
   
   
2. Admitting mistakes. The savvy leader admits mistakes and is accountable for them. That action, plus phrases such as “I didn’t know that” “I never looked at it that way” and “You’ve elevated my thinking in this area” encourage team members to come forward with ideas.
   
   
3. Changing the risk and rewards equation for candor. When a savvy leader coaches high-level executives, he says, “You see that woman on your team who challenges your ideas and decisions whom you refer to as ‘annoying.’ She is your real friend. You see that guy on your team who waits to know your point of view before giving his and never really disagrees with you. He is not your friend.” The savvy leader knows that and delivers consequences accordingly.
   
   
4. Detecting deception. To obtain accurate information, a leader needs to be attuned to deceptive practices. That allows a leader to effectively filter and screen for self- serving or misleading information.
   

All organizations have politics. Are your executive and leadership development programs addressing the leadership skills required to navigate today’s challenges? Being a Savvy Executive means never having to say, "I didn't see it coming." It also means achieving career success, maximizing team impact, and protecting your company's reputation and bottom line.