AND ANSWERS.
A. Discuss the reasons why leadership is an important driver of strategy
implementation. (5) - correct-answers-The role of leadership in strategy
implementation.
1. Leadership drives strategic change.
2. Strategies cannot be implemented in isolation. Someone needs to lead
and coordinate this process.
Leadership is about influencing people so that they perform required tasks
and activities.
Effective leaders typically have high levels of emotional intelligence (trait
theory/ term social intelligence is also used)
Leadership is very important for successful implementation. Strategic
leadership is the ability to anticipate, envision, maintain flexibility, and to
empower others to create strategic change necessary.
Leadership is necessary to ensure commitment among internal and external
stakeholders to implement strategies.
B. Discuss the attributes of emotional intelligence. (10) - correct-answers-1.
Self Awareness. The leader is aware of his/her strengths and weaknesses.
They are realistic about their strengths and not over critical about their
weaknesses.
2. Self Regulation. This attribute refers to the extent to which a leader
controls their emotions and not allowing their emotions to control their
decisions and actions.
3. Motivation. The drive that a leader has to achieve their predetermined
goals. They enjoy learning and will work hard to overcome challenges that
would block the achievement of their goals.
, 4. Empathy. The extent to which a leader is considerate of the employee's
feelings when making decisions. The leader also takes into account social
and cultural differences of the employees.
5. Social skills. Is about being able to communicate and work with individuals
from different walks of life and being able to motivate them to work towards
achieving the predetermined goals.
C. Discuss the responsibilities of a strategic leader. (6) - correct-answers-
Leaders are not only a driving force behind the strategy implementation
initiative but they also need to perform certain tasks and take responsibility
for the performance of activities such as:
1. Communicating the vision and strategic direction to all the employees and
other stakeholders of the organisation.
2. Developing an appropriate vision or strategic direction for the organisation
in which as many stakeholders as possible have participated.
3. Designing appropriate reward systems and organisational structures
together with top management.
4. Developing and maintaining an effective organisational culture.
5. Ensuring with managers that the organisation continually incorporates
good corporate governance principles into its strategies and operations.
6. Inspiring and motivating employees to achieve the strategic goals of the
organisation.
D. Explain why different strategies require different leadership styles.-
correct-answers-In order to ensure a continuous tight fit between strategy
and leadership, a change in strategy also necessitates a change in
leadership. The position of the organisation, its life cycle and its leadership
style is correlated.
· With a growth strategy, the leader pays attention to managing
relationships, inspiring people and communicating
the goals and strategies.