Tesse Akpeki looks at the results of the Work Foundation's research into the links between leadership and high performance.

For the last two years researchers at the Work Foundation have been conducting an in-depth qualitative research project investigating the links between leadership and high performance across a range of successful organisations. 

From the thousands of pieces of information the research team focused on the subtle yet powerful distinctions between good leadership and outstanding leadership. The final report Exceeding expectation: The principles of outstanding leadership, identified nine major themes that differentiate outstanding leaders from their peers.

The analysis uncovered subtle yet striking leadership differentiators. Markers of outstanding leadership were consistent across the sample, despite differences in organisation, sector and function. The research examines the critical place of trust and authenticity and how they can be strengthened resulting in outstanding leadership practices leading to stronger performance.

To build on the concept of outstanding leadership, Cass Centre for Charity Effectiveness is launching a leadership series, to enable participants to appreciate and practice the key principles in outstanding leadership. The series, delivered through six breakfast seminars, will explore what it takes to achieve high performance leadership and will equip and motivate leaders to flourish and be outstanding within their own organisation. In uncertain times like these, chief executives and senior managers desire to enhance their skills to be better resourced to face the challenges of the new political and economic environment.

Cass Centre for Charity Effectiveness has been fortunate to attract the services of renowned consultant, Ian Lawson who was heavily involved in the Outstanding Leadership research and has co-designed modules to help managers implement the findings from the research in practical ways and move towards enabling outstanding leadership within their teams and organisations. For more information visit: www.cass.city.ac.uk/cce

Tesse Akpeki is a lawyer, chartered secretary, coach, facilitator and accredited Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution mediator