NSHMBA - Leadership is a Marathon_20Nov2013_vFINAL
1. LEADERSHIP IS A MARATHON
Jaison Williams – Talent Leadership & Organisation Development, GSK
NSHMBAA Philadelphia End of Year Event, 2013
2. I’m a Marathon Maniac
As a leader, you’re always in training and the race
is most definitely a marathon, not a sprint
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2013 Chicago
Marathon
2011 Boston
Marathon
6. It Really Isn’t About How You Start But
About How You Finish
You Can Get Out Too Fast (aka, ‘Stay True to Your Training’)
The goal is not to burn out early. You want to make it to the end
You Can Forget To Replenish Your Resources
(aka, ‘Sharpen Your Saw’)
You can’t out lead your resources. You have to stay fresh in your learning and
character growth. You have to anticipate your needs and not cut corners
Look for sources for inspiration and motivation (i.e., Runners World, The 21
Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, etc.)
You Can Pace Off The Wrong Person (aka, ‘Stick to Your Plan’)
Leaders were not meant to go it alone (i.e., Marathon Pace Makers)
Leaders who are just getting started need to pace well and pick the right
coaches and role models
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7. Proper Perspective
Think of your leadership in different terms: the
beginning, middle and end
Leaders need to be able to break down their task
or objectives into smaller, right sized proportions
The key here is not to get sidetracked by
unimportant distractions – keep your
eye on the goal!
Measure progress along the way
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8. Hitting the (Leadership) Wall
Hitting the wall in leading
will usually come about
when you have been at
the role or the project for
awhile. A certain amount
of leading fatigue has
already set in. And then
an unexpected barrier
arises
Instead, build your
leadership responsibility
over time
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9. Best Practices for your Leadership
Marathon
Practice 1: Challenging the process
Leaders seek challenge and take risks. Whether the challenge is a product innovation or a reorganization, a
leader’s role often involves recognizing the need for change and supporting and directing innovation.
Practice 2: Inspiring a shared vision
Successful leaders have vision – a desire to change, create, and make things happen. Leaders must get others
to buy into the vision and engage followers to help make their vision a reality.
Practice 3: Enabling others to act
Exemplary leaders enlist the support of others and empower them to do good work. They garner the
resources, human and otherwise, and encourage collaboration.
Practice 4: Modeling the way
Leaders must lead by example if they want an enthusiastic following, demonstrating in their behavior the
organizational and management values they believe are important. Be humble, listen well and exhibit curiosity.
Practice 5: Encouraging the heart
Leaders must encourage the heart of their followers to carry on despite adversity and celebrate successes
whether they be small accomplishments or significant milestones.
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10. Making it to the Finish Line
Few people want to follow a
leader that has no finish line. They
also don’t want to follow a leader
who doesn’t take them on a
worthwhile journey
To bring something to completion
in leading is to:
purposefully see a finish line
acknowledge the contribution of
others
celebrate
learn, and to plan again from a
greater sense of experience and
maturity 10
11. 11
Leadership Commitments and Call-Outs
What does “leadership success” look like for
you?
What commitments will you make to be a
stronger individual leader?
Share with us what you will take away from today’s discussion.
What will you do differently to lead tomorrow morning?
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