Leadership Triad

Functions, System, Behaviour – A Leadership Model

Effective leadership arises from the combination of three essential elements: Function, System, and Behaviour. Each of these elements contributes to leadership, but only when all three are aligned does true leadership emerge. The attached Venn diagram illustrates how these elements interact. If only two elements are present, the result is suboptimal:

Function & Behaviour without the system perspective leads to mere management.
Function & System without behaviour results in teamwork, but not leadership.
System & Behaviour without function becomes purely social and political.

The Three Elements of Leadership

1. Function

All leadership roles serve a defined function within an organization. To understand the function of a leadership position, we must ask:

What difference does the organization expect this leadership role to make?
What are the declared goals and outcomes?
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that describe success or failure?
What soft factors or cultural elements are expected from this position?

A clear understanding of these factors ensures that leadership contributes to organizational success.

2. The Social System

Leadership is inherently a process of goal-oriented social interaction. Leaders operate within complex social systems, which include:

Direct reports
Peers
Superiors
Customers
Providers
Other relevant stakeholders

Understanding the interdependencies within this system is crucial. Leaders must navigate relationships, manage group dynamics, and consider stakeholder expectations to be effective.

3. Behaviour

The way leadership is experienced by others is shaped by behaviour. Key considerations include:

Is there a congruent leadership style or approach?
What types of conversations, messages, praise, critique, or motivation do others experience?
How does the leader communicate and facilitate discussions?

The leader’s behaviour should align with the goals and systems in place to create a sustainable leadership impact.

Application in Practice

To develop strong leadership, organizations and individuals should:

Define Clear Functions: Ensure that leadership roles have clear objectives, KPIs, and cultural expectations.
Understand the Social System: Map out relationships and dependencies within the organization.
Align Behaviour with Goals and System: Foster self-awareness in leaders regarding their communication, decision-making, and influence.

Conclusion

Leadership is not just about managing tasks (Function & Behaviour), collaborating with a team (Function & System), or navigating politics (System & Behaviour). True leadership emerges at the intersection of all three. Organizations should focus on integrating these elements to develop effective leaders who can drive success and positive cultural impact.

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