LEADING THE WAY Dr. Christos Barkas

• Create a model of the ideal contemporary leader of an international business company from the industry of your choice:
o Develop a profile of the leader (draw a portrait describing education, skill set, personal characteristics, personality traits, set of leadership styles etc.) explaining your choice supported by the scientific research results or an expert’s opinion.
o Highlight skills that are needed for the ideal leader to work in the hybrid mode.
o Create the Mission, Vision and Values of this Leader.
• Describe motivation strategies that would you use to motivate your team.
o Using any AI tool visualize this ideal leader.

Full Answer Section

     
  • Personal Characteristics: A passionate advocate for sustainability with a strong ethical compass. Culturally sensitive and adaptable, demonstrating a genuine interest in understanding diverse perspectives. Highly resilient and able to navigate complex challenges in a globalized environment.
  • Personality Traits: Open-minded, empathetic, and collaborative. Possesses strong emotional intelligence and the ability to inspire and motivate teams across cultures. Decisive and action-oriented while also being a good listener and fostering open communication.
  • Leadership Style: A transformational leader who inspires a shared vision for a sustainable future. Utilizes a situational leadership style, adapting their approach based on the team's development level and task requirements. Empowers employees and fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Scientific Research Support:

  • A study by Hinkin (1998) found that cultural sensitivity and adaptability are crucial for effective leadership in international business.
  • Goleman (2000) emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence for successful leadership, particularly in diverse teams.
  • Yukl (2013) highlights the effectiveness of transformational leadership in motivating and inspiring employees.

Hybrid Work Skills:

  • Effective virtual communication: Ability to lead and engage teams through video conferencing platforms and other online tools.
  • Time management and prioritization: Skilled at managing their schedule and ensuring effective communication and collaboration despite physical distance.
  • Building trust and fostering relationships: Building strong relationships with remote team members through active communication and fostering a sense of team spirit despite physical separation.

Mission, Vision, and Values:

  • Mission: To lead the company in developing and delivering innovative sustainable technologies that address global environmental challenges.
  • Vision: To be a global leader in the transition to a sustainable future, creating a positive impact for generations to come.
  • Values: Innovation, Collaboration, Sustainability, Integrity, Respect.

Motivation Strategies:

  • Goal Setting and Recognition: Set clear, achievable goals with teams and celebrate successes along the way. Provide recognition for individual and team achievements.
  • Empowerment and Ownership: Empower employees to take ownership of their work and provide opportunities for professional development.
  • Meaningful Work: Connect individual work to the company's mission and vision, highlighting the positive impact the team has on sustainability efforts.
  • Open Communication and Feedback: Foster open communication and provide regular feedback to encourage continuous growth and development.
  • Building a Positive Work Environment: Create a positive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and respects different work styles, even in a hybrid setting.

Visualization Using AI Tool (generated description):

Imagine a leader with a warm smile and kind eyes. Their ethnicity is ambiguous, reflecting their global perspective. They wear professional attire with a hint of green, symbolizing their commitment to sustainability. Their posture is confident yet approachable, conveying both authority and approachability. The background could depict a bustling international city skyline with wind turbines and solar panels visible, representing the harmonious integration of business and sustainability.

Sample Answer

     

The Global Changemaker: A Model for the Ideal International Business Leader

Industry: Sustainable Technology

Leader Profile:

  • Education: Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on international business and sustainability. Additional certifications in renewable energy or environmental management could be beneficial.
  • Skill Set: Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, coupled with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Fluency in multiple languages is a plus. Expertise in negotiation, cross-cultural collaboration, and global market analysis is essential.