Leadership Style of “Superbosses”

Some bosses do more than build great organizations; they groom great talent. Sydney Finkelstein, Dartmouth Business School professor  and author of Superbosses: How Exceptional leaders Manage the Flow of Talent started researching this phenomenon a decade ago when he noticed that “[as many as half] the top people in a given industry…once worked for the same well-known leader.”
 
Writing in the Harvard Business Review, Finkelstein noted that these leaders have a hands-on leadership style that is highly effective in developing those who work for them.

They:

• Set high expectations;
• Are excellent delegators;
• Customize career paths for protégés;
• Stay connected with those protégés even after they move on

 
Superbosses take a long view and a deep interest in the people they hire. Maintaining relationships with ex-employees sets superbosses up for all sorts of follow-on opportunities, such as developing business partnerships.
 
We want to hear:  Have you ever worked for a superboss, or do you consider yourself one? How do you think superbosses lead in a way that is different than that of the typical boss? Can you give us an example?  To join the conversation, click "comments" on our Community of Practice Forum.
 
If you would like to read more about creating a habit around masterful communication, check out our book: Be Quiet, Be Heard: The Paradox of Persuasion.

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