The ‘Four As’ describe the competency set and behaviors required of a successful manager. They are Accomplishment, Affability, Advocacy and Authenticity.
Accomplishment: The moment one transitions from being an executive to being a manager, it is very easy to make the mistake of believing that he need not ‘do’ things anymore, and that he now has only to ‘think’. Consequently, many potential managers take their eyes off ‘execution’. Getting things done through other people and other departments needs influencing skills which managers must strive to be very good at.
Affability: Managers are paid to deliver results. This requires them to convince, cajole, coerce and even crucify people in their pursuit of results. An affable manager knows to disagree without being disagreeable; to separate rival’s views from his likes or dislikes for rival, and to listen with a focused and open mind. This is a skill that is perfected through painstaking practice.
Advocacy: To quote from the book ‘In the early stages of one’s career, you are the recipient of instructions and the effects of power. You accept them by adapting. You realize that the boss expects you to exercise your leadership on the people who report to you and make sure that things get done. In the middle management phase, you find the need to influence people without their directly reporting to you. In the senior and leadership roles, you may exercise no control over people you need to influence. This is the manner in which your skills of advocacy develop’.
Authenticity: The perception of who you are and what you stand for determines the followership you will have. Followership here, is the voluntary desire or inclination among followers to follow a person, emotionally and physically.
After expanding on the four As, the book goes on to show how these skills come together, in building the crucial capability to find the correct pathway amidst apparently opposite requirements such as – Get the job done on time and do not upset people, Speak the truth if you disagree and do not offend the boss, keep your eyes and ears open in the company and do not gossip, set ambitious goals and deliver on your targets, be experimental and be consistent. To find and walk the middle path between such extremes is essential for happiness and success. Gopalakrishnan illustrates his views with very practical day-to-day examples which inspire reflection and a sense of urgency to change. His compassion and sincerity of intention to groom successful managers, shines right through every page of the book. Once you start reading, you are sure not to put it down. Get started now!
The Leader’s goal is the creation of meaning.
– Warren Bennis –
