Executive Flow: How the Complete Leader Energizes an Organization

Imagine you are strolling alongside a serene riverbank, and there it is—a mesmerizing water wheel, seemingly defying the laws of nature as it rotates effortlessly. It is archaic in design, but something about it captures your attention. Perhaps it’s the way it spins quietly in the winding river, or maybe it’s how simple and uncomplicated the contraption is. Water wheels, though a masterful art piece, have historically served an important scientific function—creating a flow of energy.

A water wheel is like a giant paddle wheel that sits in a river. When water flows and pushes against the paddles, it makes the wheel turn. As the wheel spins, it transfers the water's energy into mechanical energy, which can be used to do work (like grinding grain or generating electricity).

This is exactly how organizations work. Let’s imagine this water wheel is actually an organization, with each of the paddles representing a core function essential for a healthy business:

• Focus: Developing a core focus

• Culture: Cultivating a thriving culture

• Rhythms: Integrating efficient rhythms

• Tools: Implementing effective tools

Now, consider a scenario where the water wheel lacks a river current beneath it. Would it move? No, it would merely stand still, unable to transfer energy. The water wheel's significance lies not in its beauty or form, but in its connection to the river. This is where the leader's role becomes evident.

A complete leader is like a steady river current, propelling the organizational water wheel to flow, transferring leadership energy throughout the organization. A complete leader possesses three essential qualities:

• Compelling Vision: A dream with an invitation

• Executive Presence: Behaviors that inspire trust

• Time-Tested Character: Unimpeachable credibility

Here, in this seldom-visited realm called "Executive Flow," the magic unfolds. When a complete leader joins forces with a healthy organization, energy is harmoniously transferred, setting the stage for remarkable achievements and growth.

Executive Flow is when a complete leader consistently transfers energy into a healthy organization.

The mesmerizing water wheel serves as a fascinating metaphor for the role that a leader plays in the life of an organization. Just as the water wheel requires the river's flow to function, the leader's presence is indispensable for the transfer of energy. When a complete leader—one with compelling vision, executive presence, and time-tested character—aligns with a healthy organization, this is when Executive Flow can be reached.