During a meeting the other day, a group of us were discussing the leadership characteristics that have proven most successful in nurturing enduring customer relationships and generating sustained revenue growth.
We reviewed how the more effective “growth-oriented” leaders are outward looking – they have a vision and a passion for their business. They deeply value the customer relationships that have enabled their growth, and have a clear, comprehensive perspective of the distinctive strategic value that they produce for their customers.
These leaders manage their businesses in accordance with core principles that define how they expect their personnel to behave when working with customers and each other to produce value and grow revenue. They understand that operating under core values builds a culture for the organization that is customer-centric, employee-oriented, passionate about service, committed to keeping promises, and focused on achieving results.
As we dug deeper into this leadership style, we agreed that these leaders are actively engaged with their customers and their personnel. They communicate frequently and productively, sharing expectations, knowledge, suggestions and encouragement. And they solicit feedback, listening “deeply” for comments and suggestions that can help guide decision-making and strengthen relationships.
But the dialogue came to abrupt stop when someone mentioned that great leaders demand “syzygy.” We all looked at each other. “Is that a real word? What does it mean?”
Syzygy is derived from the Greek word “syzygos” meaning yoked together. Great leaders require that their personnel lash themselves together to achieve shared goals, supported by the necessary training and tools. These organizations expect associates to demonstrate a significant bonding with one another in service to customers and to each other, committing themselves to collaboration, perseverance and dedication as if sharing a common yoke. The military has refined this strategy to its highest level, and now business leaders are increasingly leveraging the power of “syzygy” to produce sustained growth.
Could “syzygy” strengthen your business?
How would you begin to move your organization in this direction?
