03 Jun The Importance of Building Strong Cohesive Leadership Teams

Operational failures or even organisational collapse are frequently attributed to poor leadership. The cause of this often includes leaders that lack a mutual understanding of the organisation’s direction, fail to support and advocate for their team members, and leave employees feeling adrift and unsupported. The frustration in employees’ voices is evident when they complain about constantly changing plans, leaders’ actions that misalign with the stated strategy, and overall inconsistencies in leadership. These issues can erode trust, create confusion, and hinder organisational progress.

Many companies refer to their senior managers as their “leadership team” – but what makes a successful leadership team? Leadership is inherently a collective endeavour, with the core of every successful organisation being a robust and cohesive leadership team. These teams serve as the guiding force, setting strategic direction, making critical decisions, and inspiring the broader workforce. Importantly, the leadership team needs to demonstrate alignment – helping their various followers to align toward the overall organisational goals. However, forging and sustaining such teams requires more than just individual brilliance. It requires a leadership team that is characterised by a shared vision and a deep commitment to the organisation’s mission, a team that exhibits open and honest communication, mutual respect, and a collective sense of responsibility. Leaders must work together to build and sustain a culture of trust and collaboration ultimately leading to overall organisation success. According to Northouse (2018), effective leadership involves the ability to inspire and motivate others, create a sense of direction and purpose, and foster an environment of trust and collaboration. This concept underscores the importance of shared understanding, mutual support, and a cohesive strategy in driving organisational success.

Therefore, investing in leadership development programs, mentoring, and providing opportunities for growth is essential to build cohesive successful leadership teams. When leaders feel supported and valued, they are more likely to extend the same support to their teams, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the organisation. This means we need to change our thinking about team development because our attention often centers on the operational level, overlooking the crucial role of leadership teams. But can leaders truly thrive in isolation, each pulling in their own direction? The answer is a resounding no. 

Leaders, like all team members, need a network of support and a sense of belonging. A cohesive leadership team provides this, fostering an environment where leaders can share their challenges, brainstorm solutions, and celebrate successes together and ultimately speak in one voice, setting a great example for the teams they lead, walking the talk.

The importance of building strong, cohesive leadership teams cannot be overstated. These teams are the cornerstone of organisational success, driving strategic direction, fostering a supportive culture, and ensuring alignment throughout the organisation. At WorldsView Academy, we prioritise the development of cohesive leadership teams by emphasising uniform development for consistency and sustainability. Therefore, our programs, such as Nine Conversations in Leadership and LeaderShift, are designed for leadership teams rather than individual participation. We encourage organisations to send at least two or more representatives to ensure maximum value and greater implementation within the organisation. When our leaders attend the same program, we ensure consistency and alignment in leadership practices, language and culture across the organisation, fostering a cohesive leadership culture focused on shared goals and values. Investing in the strength and unity of leadership teams is not just beneficial – it is essential for long-term success.