Outstanding leaders put people first

The assumption that so-called "tough" leaders with a controlling and target-driven approach do better during tough economic times is simply not true, according to new research carried out in the UK. Instead, leaders who are people- and relationship centric are far more likely to display outstanding performance.

A two-year study by workplace think-tank the Work Foundation suggests that the most effective leaders think and act systemically, seeing the whole picture rather than compartmentalising. They see people as the sole route to performance and are deeply people and relationship centred rather than just people oriented.

Moreover, they are self-confident without being arrogant - they are aware of their strengths and their position of influence, yet use these for the benefit of their organisation and its people.

The study, based on over 250 in-depth qualitative interviews, in six high-profile UK organisations (BAE Systems, EDF Energy, Guardian Media Group, Serco, Tesco and Unilever), examined the behavioural differences between leaders who were perceived by their direct reports and managers as merely "good" and those who were seen as being "outstanding".