Effective Transformation Leadership.

Not surprisingly, effective leadership was a critical success factor in the complex transformation projects that delivered the best results. Starfield's engagement expertise is applied from the very beginning, starting with the leadership team.

Leaders who are extremely successful in transformation initiatives give serious attention to the development of a shared vision. A vision is not a statement that lives on the wall of the executive boardroom, it is an active living image that engages the passion of those involved in turning it into reality. An effective vision brings together a community. It pulls the community towards a better future, based on an image of how that future may appear. It provides for the community a compelling reason for the effort required to achieve something important.

The creation of a vision begins with the leaders themselves. Successful leaders take the time to develop conviction and enthusiasm regarding the possibilities. They need to take ownership of the vision both intellectually and emotionally. Only when that vision burns within them can they share that fire with other stakeholders.

A solid commitment to results is the starting point, not the end. Once leaders are committed and have developed an initial sense of direction, they work to define what is core. They develop clarity as to the aspects they are prepared to fight for, that would compromise the whole purpose if sacrificed. After identifying the non-negotiable core, they become willing to let all other elements evolve based on the needs of the partners in the implementation. They are now ready to engage and build the shared commitment needed to realize results.

Walk on the shoulders of previous leaders who have been successful.

Creating a vision is a process involving ongoing dialogue with staff and essential partners and the development of a business case to support the imagined outcome. Leaders need to give up control and let others truly participate in this process.

Leaders and their senior teams must participate in defining the strategy for building commitment to action and then step back and involve others in defining the details. This marks a point of departure from most approaches. As the vision is evolving leaders and their teams develop, evolve and implement the strategies for delivering real results fast! This involves creating tactics for not only delivering meaningful products quickly, but also tactics for ensuring stakeholder enthusiasm to ensure the anticipated benefits are realized.