Why Is Leadership Important? (14 Reasons)

Have you ever wondered why some teams seem to thrive while others struggle? Have you ever thought about why some leaders make everything look effortless while others need help to get something done?

Leadership is the backbone of any organization, and it’s crucial to understand its importance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top reasons why leadership is so important and how it can impact the success of a team or organization.

Whether you’re a team leader, manager, or just someone who wants to learn more about leadership, this post is for you!

What Is Leadership?

Leadership is the ability to inspire and guide a group of people toward a common goal. This includes having a clear vision, communicating effectively, and motivating others to do their best. Effective leaders also possess qualities such as integrity, empathy, and the ability to make difficult decisions.

Warren Bennis quotes “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” This quote highlights the importance of not only having a clear vision but also being able to execute that vision and bring it to fruition effectively.

Leadership can take many forms, from leading a team in a corporate setting to leading a community organization. Leaders must understand their team members’ unique needs and strengths and adapt their leadership styles accordingly.

Leadership can manifest in other situations, such as crisis management or change management. In these situations, leaders must think quickly and make quick decisions that benefit the entire group.

Leadership is critical in any organization and is the backbone of any successful operation. A leader should be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their team and develop a strategy accordingly. A leader should also be able to motivate and inspire team members to give their best.

Leadership Sets the Direction for an Organization

Leadership is a critical component of any organization because it sets the direction for the organization and guides its progress toward its goals. Good leaders can inspire and motivate their team while making important decisions that will shape the organization’s future.

Here are a few essential points to keep in mind when thinking about how leadership sets the direction for an organization:

• A leader’s vision and mission for the company serve as the foundation for the organization’s direction. This includes setting long-term goals and creating a strategic plan to achieve them.
  
• A leader’s decision-making ability is critical to the direction of the organization. They must be able to analyze different options and choose the best course of action for the company.
  
• A leader’s communication skills are essential in communicating the company’s direction to employees, stakeholders, and other key players. They must clearly articulate their vision and goals and inspire others to work towards them.

Here are a few examples of how leadership sets the direction for an organization in different situations:

• In a start-up company: The company’s founders must have a clear vision for the business and the ability to communicate and sell it to potential investors and employees. They must also be able to make quick and effective decisions to navigate the challenges of a start-up environment. As the company grows, the leader must be able to adapt and change the direction of the business as needed.
  
• In a crisis: A leader must remain calm and composed in the face of a crisis and clearly communicate the action plan to their employees. They must also be able to make difficult decisions and sacrifices to mitigate the impact of the situation on the organization. The leader should also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders such as customers, shareholders, and the media.
  
• In a turnaround situation: The leader must identify the issues causing the organization to perform poorly and develop a plan to address them. They must also effectively communicate the changes to employees and other stakeholders and build buy-in for the new direction. The leader should also be able to manage shareholder expectations, especially during the transition period.

Leadership Inspires and Motivates Employees

Leadership is an essential component of any organization and plays a crucial role in inspiring and motivating employees. A great leader leads by example and creates a positive and productive work environment. Here are some key points on how leadership inspires and motivates employees:

Clear communication: An effective leader can rally employees together to accomplish greater goals by plainly stating their expectations and desired outcomes. Keeping employees in the loop and inviting them to participate in decision-making promotes a sense of ownership and encourages commitment to the cause.

Setting an example: A leader who leads by example can inspire their employees to follow their lead. When a leader is willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their team, it can foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

Recognition and appreciation: A leader who acknowledges and appreciates the immense effort of their team members can generate motivation and drive them to perform at their highest level. A leader can create a culture of excellence by offering constructive criticism and praising accomplishments.

Empowerment: A leader who empowers their employees by giving them the autonomy to make decisions and take responsibility for their work can inspire and motivate them to take the initiative and be creative. A leader can inspire their employees to reach their full potential by providing opportunities for growth and development.

Trust and respect: A leader who trusts and respects their employees can inspire and motivate them to work harder and be more productive. By creating a positive and inclusive work environment, a leader can foster a culture of respect and trust, leading to increased employee engagement and satisfaction.

Here are a few examples of how leadership can inspire and motivate employees:

• In a small retail store, the manager leads by example by always being the first to arrive and the last to leave. This spurs employees to work hard and be punctual.
• In a manufacturing company, the CEO acknowledges employees’ hard work by thanking them for their contributions via email and announcing a bonus for meeting production goals.
• In a software development company, the team leader empowers the team by giving them the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work. This inspires the team to take the initiative and be creative, leading to the development of innovative solutions.

Leadership Fosters a Positive Work Culture

A positive work culture improves employee satisfaction and engagement and improves organizational performance. Below are some key points on how leadership fosters a positive work culture:

Empowerment: Leaders who are willing to step back and entrust their employees with the authority and materials needed to take ownership and responsibility for their roles create a culture of empowerment.

For instance, allowing employees the liberty to generate novel concepts and explore unique avenues permits a spirit of invention and trial.

Support and development: Leaders who support their employees and invest in their development create a culture of growth and learning.

For example, a leader who encourages team members to attend professional development courses or take on new challenges helps employees feel supported and motivated to develop professionally.

Inclusivity: Leaders who promote and foster an inclusive culture create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued. A leader who actively promotes diversity and inclusion during the hiring process and encourages open dialog and understanding of different perspectives helps create a culture where everyone feels included and respected.

Leadership Drives Innovation and Progress

Leadership is a critical factor in driving innovation and progress. By making informed decisions, skillfully navigating challenges, properly setting goals, and motivating others to achieve incredible things, leaders can create an environment conducive to creativity and learning.

Here are some ways leadership drives innovation and progress:

• Leaders establish expectations for their teams – setting high standards that lead to higher quality work.
• They are able to recognize opportunities and take risks when necessary – inspiring their team to try something new.
• Leaders use their knowledge and experience to guide their teams through complex problems and help them see possible solutions from a broad perspective.
• A leader’s charisma fosters enthusiasm in their team, making them feel valued and willing to embrace the challenge of pursuing innovative ideas together.

The importance of leadership to progress cannot be overstated. Through proper guidance, leaders create a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous growth – opening up opportunities for true innovation that can make a real difference.

For example, Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs created a culture that stimulated creative thinking among employees, which was vital in developing breakthrough products like the iPhone and iPad.

At Microsoft Corporation, Bill Gates brought together the perfect combination of teams with complementary skills to make positive advances in computer technology.

These examples show how effective leadership can push the boundaries of what is possible and pave the way for products and services we rely on today.

Leadership Is Essential for Decision Making

Effective decision-making is often associated with outstanding leadership. As a leader, you’re responsible for creating an environment where sound decisions can be made and implemented quickly. Here are some of the key characteristics that make for good leadership when it comes to decision-making:

• The ability to assess situations and analyze data quickly and accurately to make informed decisions.
• Good problem-solving skills. Leaders must identify fundamental problems and mediate solutions between parties.
• A willingness to listen to the opinions of all parties before agreeing on a course of action. This shows that you respect your team’s ideas and ensure that all voices are heard.
• The courage to act decisively, even if that means making difficult or unpopular decisions because what’s best for the team comes first.

By developing these qualities in their leaders, organizations can ensure that the right decisions are made effectively by the most capable people. It also builds trust and confidence in teams, leading to better collaboration and high-quality output in the long run.

Here are some examples of how strong leadership plays a vital role in decision-making:

• In a crisis situation, leaders need to be able to think on their feet and make decisions quickly. This may mean acting decisively or delegating tasks appropriately.
  
• When dealing with complex problems, leaders need to take the time to analyze all aspects of the problem and seek the team’s opinion before deciding on a course of action.
  
• Leaders should act as mediators when conflicts arise between team members and foster a healthy work environment where disagreements can be resolved respectfully.
  
• When making unpopular or difficult decisions, they must show courage and transparency so their teams can understand why the decision is being made.

Leadership Is Vital for Problem-Solving

Leadership is vital for problem-solving because it helps identify, assess, and address the challenges that impede success. Leaders are able to analyze a situation, develop a plan of action, and then implement strategies to achieve the desired outcome. Using their skills, knowledge, and experience, they can lead an organization and its members to achieve common goals.

Here are a few reasons why leadership is essential for problem-solving:

Vision and objectivity: Leadership is about setting a vision, providing an objective point of view, and inspiring others to achieve their goals. Leaders must be able to look at a problem from different perspectives and analyze the situation objectively.

This helps them come up with creative solutions that take into account all available information and resources. Leaders must also keep their emotions in check and focus on achieving the desired outcome. This way, they can ensure that everyone works together for the common good.

Identifying problems: Leaders are adept at recognizing when a problem arises and taking the necessary steps to resolve it. They can assess the situation, identify the cause of the problem, and develop strategies to solve it. This includes analyzing available data and resources and using them best.

For example, suppose a company is experiencing a decline in sales. In that case, a leader can assess the problem, determine the root cause, and develop a plan to solve the problem.

Flexibility: Leaders often need to be flexible and adaptable when solving problems. They must be able to adapt their approach to changing circumstances and make corrections as needed. This means they must be willing to analyze new data, evaluate plans, and change strategies as needed.

For example, suppose a marketing campaign isn’t producing the desired results. In that case, a leader must be willing to adjust tactics and try something new.

Leadership Ensures Accountability and Responsibility

Accountability and responsibility are critical aspects of any organization, and having exemplary leadership in place can make a tremendous difference in the success or failure of an organization. Here are some examples of how leadership ensures accountability and responsibility: 

Establishes expectations: Leaders set clear expectations for their team members and hold them accountable for meeting those expectations. They communicate those expectations, provide feedback and guidance, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This ensures that everyone is working toward the same goals and can be held accountable for their actions.

Creates a culture of accountability: Leaders create a culture of accountability by setting an example of accountability and responsibility. They foster a culture where everyone is held accountable for their actions, and mistakes aren’t tolerated. They also encourage open communication and collaboration among team members to ensure everyone is pulling together and working together.

Develops a sense of ownership: Leaders instill a sense of ownership in team members. They show team members that their contributions are valued, that their efforts and ideas are essential and that they’re accountable for their work. This encourages them to take ownership of their tasks and be responsible for the results.

Establishes consequences: Leaders must also be willing to hold team members accountable for their actions. They should set consequences for not meeting expectations and for making mistakes. This ensures that everyone is held responsible and mistakes aren’t tolerated.

Provide support and resources: Good leadership also provides support and resources to help team members achieve their goals. This includes training, feedback, and providing resources such as access to technology and other tools. By providing these resources, leadership helps team members to stay accountable and responsible for their work.

Encouraging accountability: Good leadership should encourage team members to take responsibility for their work. This may mean encouraging team members to take the initiative, set their own goals, and take ownership of their projects. In this way, the leader shows their team members that they trust and are willing to help them achieve their goals.

Here are a few examples that show how leadership ensures accountability and responsibility:

• A leader in a software development company sets clear expectations for the team, including specific deadlines for each project. This way, team members understand their roles and are accountable for meeting deadlines.
  
• The CEO of a company serves as a role model by being transparent about their decision-making process and taking ownership of their mistakes. This makes the rest of the team more willing to admit their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions.
  
• A manager of a marketing company regularly confers with all team members to ensure they’re achieving their goals. This ensures that everyone takes responsibility for their actions and makes progress toward achieving the team’s overall goals.
  
• A team leader in a construction company provides support and guidance to their team members, including training on new equipment and safety protocols. This ensures everyone has the knowledge and resources to succeed and take responsibility for their actions.

Leadership Is Necessary for Effective Delegation

Leadership enables a person to effectively allocate resources and delegate tasks to maximize efficiency and productivity. Leaders can delegate tasks effectively because they have the experience and knowledge to perform the task correctly.

A leader is also able to identify potential problems and take the necessary steps to correct them. This is especially important when delegating, as it ensures that tasks are performed with the highest quality and efficiency.

Below you’ll find some key points of why leadership is necessary for effective delegation:

Recognizing potential problems: A leader is able to identify potential problems and take the necessary steps to prevent them.

For example, a leader can recognize that a task requires more resources than initially planned and can take steps to ensure that the task is completed correctly.

Assigning the right people: A leader is able to identify who is best suited for a particular task. By doing this, a leader can assign the task to the right person and ensure that the task is done most efficiently and effectively.

For example, a leader can recognize that a particular person is better suited for a specific task and assign it to that person.

Recognizing talent: A leader can identify their team’s strengths and weaknesses and use that knowledge to their advantage. This allows a leader to ensure that tasks are delegated most efficiently.

For example, a leader can recognize that a particular team member is especially good in a specific area and assign them tasks where they can best use their skills.

Provide support: A leader can provide the support and guidance necessary to perform tasks correctly. This includes giving feedback and advice on how to improve performance.

For example, a leader may provide feedback on how to improve a particular task and direction on what steps to take to ensure that the task is completed with the highest level of quality.

Tracking and monitoring progress: A leader will track and monitor progress on a task or project, providing feedback and advice as needed. This ensures that tasks are completed on time and to a high standard and that any issues or problems are identified and addressed quickly.

For example, a project manager on a construction site delegates tasks to different members of their team and monitors the progress of the construction project to ensure it’s completed on time and within budget. This ensures that the construction project is completed efficiently and effectively and that any issues or problems are quickly identified and resolved.

Leadership Is Essential for Change Management

A leader’s ability to understand and implement strategies to lead a team through change initiatives is critical to successful outcomes. Leaders play a crucial role in driving strategy, setting expectations, and inspiring employees to embrace change.

Here are some of the key benefits of strong leadership for change management:

Establishing a clear vision: Leaders must be able to articulate a clear, concise vision for change initiatives. They must articulate the “why” behind the change and the anticipated outcomes. This vision must be communicated to all stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Provide direction and guidance: Leaders must provide clear direction and guidance so that employees understand the change and how it will benefit the organization.

They must be able to quickly provide answers to any questions or concerns that may arise. Leaders must also be able to make decisions quickly and confidently to drive the change forward.

Build motivation and momentum: Leaders must be able to motivate and energize their teams to embrace change. They must clearly communicate the change’s value and benefits and demonstrate how it will positively impact the entire organization. Leaders must be able to inspire and lead by example to build momentum and enthusiasm for the change.

Create a culture of change: Leaders must be able to create a culture of change in an organization. They must be able to create an environment where change is welcomed and viewed positively. Leaders must be able to foster collaboration, communication, and trust so that employees feel safe in the change process.

Managing resistance: Leaders must be able to address and manage resistance to change. They must be able to identify, listen to, and address employee concerns. They must be able to offer solutions and support.

Leaders must be able to articulate to employees the value of change and how it will benefit them and the organization as a whole.

Here are a few examples of how leadership plays a critical role in change management:

• A company wants to implement a new software system to streamline its processes. The leadership team works closely with employees to understand their concerns and address potential issues. They also involve employees in the testing and implementation process, which helps build support for the change and reduce resistance.
  
• A retail company wants to shift its focus to e-commerce. The leadership team communicates the benefits of the shift and helps employees understand how it will impact their roles. They also provide training and resources to help employees adjust to the change and build their skills in the new area.
  
• A healthcare facility wants to restructure its operations to improve patient care. The leadership team works closely with employees to understand their concerns and involve them in the planning and implementation process. They also communicate the benefits of the changes to patients and the community to gain support.

As Simon Sinek famously said, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” His ‘Golden Circle’ is an alternative perspective for understanding why some leaders and organizations have achieved such disproportionate amounts of influence. With the Golden Circle, leaders are able to inspire action instead of manipulating people to act.

Leadership Is Crucial for Building and Leading Teams

Leadership is an essential element in any team constellation. It’s the foundation upon which teams can find common ground and develop into a cohesive unit.

With it, teams may be able to find purpose and direction, leading to a lack of motivation and a sense of disorganization. Leadership is necessary to ensure that teams receive the guidance they need to properly approach projects and achieve their goals.

Here are a few reasons why leadership is so essential for building and leading teams:

Establishes a sense of purpose: Leaders provide clarity for team members by setting expectations, giving instruction, and communicating feedback. This way, they create a structured and orderly environment that allows team members to focus on their tasks and goals.

This also helps motivate team members as they understand their roles and responsibilities and feel connected to the team’s goals.

Build morale: Leaders who improve morale can help boost productivity, as team members are more likely to be motivated and willing to contribute when they feel accepted and supported by their leader. In addition, good morale leads to better communication between team members, allowing them to work together more efficiently.

Improving morale: Leaders who want to improve morale should focus on building relationships with each team member. They should ensure everyone feels heard, valued, and appreciated for their contributions.

They should also create opportunities that bond the team, such as group activities or group outings. This helps team members become closer and develop stronger relationships with each other.

Create unity: A leader helps create unity among team members by bringing people together, supporting relationship building, and ensuring everyone work toward a common goal. With unity, a team can become cohesive and effective.

Cohesion: Leaders who promote cohesion in their teams should focus on communication and trust. They should make team members comfortable enough to voice their ideas and concerns. They should also create opportunities for collaboration, such as brainstorming sessions or group discussions.

This allows team members to collaborate productively and come up with better solutions than they could have on their own.

Practical examples of leadership in building and leading teams include:

• A software development team manager who sets clear goals and prioritizes tasks to ensure the team stays on track and delivers a product on time.
• A coach of a sports team who encourages team members to work together and build strong relationships, resulting in better performance on the field.
• A company’s CEO creates a positive and supportive team culture, resulting in higher employee satisfaction and retention.

Leadership Is Necessary for Effective Conflict Resolution

Strong and effective leadership can make conflict resolution easier and potentially lead to a stalemate or, even worse, conflict escalation. Leadership can provide direction and guidance to the parties in conflict and move the resolution process forward.

There are a few key points on why leadership is essential for effective conflict resolution:

Ensuring fairness: Leaders must ensure that the conflict resolution process is fair to all parties involved. This means they ensure that everyone is heard and has the opportunity to express their ideas. Also, leaders ensure that all opinions are considered and that all parties are treated with respect and dignity.

Leaders serve as mediators: Leaders can help facilitate communication between parties involved in the conflict. They can provide a neutral space for the parties to voice their concerns and help keep the conversation focused on resolution. They can also help find common ground and areas of agreement that can serve as a basis for resolution.

Leaders model behavior: Leaders are often viewed as role models and expected to lead by example. A leader can model effective conflict resolution skills by remaining calm, actively listening, and treating all parties with respect and fairness.

This can help create a culture of open communication and effective conflict resolution within the organization or group. For effective conflict resolution to occur, strong and effective leadership is vital.

Here are a few practical examples of how leadership can be effective in resolving conflict:

• In the workplace: Leaders must ensure that the work environment remains safe and productive for all employees. This includes providing clear policies, communication protocols, and resolution methods for workplace issues that arise. They must also ensure that all employees are heard and considered when resolving conflicts.
  
• In relationships: Leaders must be able to demonstrate understanding and empathy for both parties in conflict. They should be able to provide a safe space for open communication and actively listen to both sides. They should also be able to offer helpful advice and guidance on how to reach a resolution.
  
• In the community: Leaders are responsible for helping to resolve conflicts within the community. This includes providing resources, assistance, guidance, and support to anyone involved in a conflict. They must also be willing to take a leadership role and make difficult decisions when necessary to resolve the conflict.

Leadership Helps to Attract and Retain Top Talent Within the Organization

Leadership style, communication, decision-making processes, and problem-solving skills significantly impact whether a company can attract and retain the best and brightest employees. Let’s look at some of the ways effective leadership can help attract and retain top talent.

Leadership style: The leader’s approach to problem-solving and decision-making is the first and most important aspect of leadership that can help attract and retain top talent.

Leaders who are perceived as open, flexible, and supportive are more likely to inspire trust, respect, and loyalty in their employees and thus have a better chance of retaining top talent.

Team-oriented decision-making: Leaders who can tap into the collective wisdom of their team by engaging in team-oriented decisions tend to be more successful in attracting and retaining top talent.

This approach creates an environment of collaboration, inclusion, and respect that is often more attractive to employees than authoritarian or hierarchical decision-making processes.

Leadership development: A company that focuses on leadership development is more likely to be successful in attracting and retaining top talent.

Investing in leadership training and development programs allows leaders to learn new skills, keep up with the latest industry trends, and develop their own skills, which can be very attractive to top talent.

Recognizing and rewarding top performers: A leader who recognizes and rewards top performers sends the message that the organization values its employees and is committed to their success. This can be a powerful motivator for top talent to stay with the company.

Here are a few practical examples of how leadership can help attract and retain top talent:

• A CEO of a technology company who clearly communicates the company’s mission to improve the world through technology and creates a positive and inclusive culture that values diversity and innovation. This can attract top talent in the tech industry who are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a company that shares its values.
  
• A retail manager who empowers employees to learn new skills and advance in their careers. This can attract top retail talent looking for opportunities to grow professionally.
  
• A leader in a financial services company that recognizes top performers and rewards them with bonuses, promotions, and other incentives. In this way, top financial service industry performers motivated by financial rewards and opportunities for advancement can be retained.

Leadership Helps to Develop and Maintain Strong Relationships With Customers and Partners

In today’s digital economy, strong customer relationships are key to success. Here are a few ways leaders can help build and maintain those relationships:

Creating value: In any customer or partner relationship, value is important. Leaders should strive to create value by offering solutions that meet the needs of customers and partners and by providing high-quality products and services. This helps build trust and loyalty and fosters a mutually beneficial relationship.

Being proactive: Being proactive is another key way to foster strong relationships. Leaders should take the initiative to regularly check in with customers and partners to ensure their needs are met.

They should also be open to feedback and willing to change course as needed. Showing their customers and partners that their voices are heard goes a long way toward building strong, lasting relationships.

Offering support: Providing support is key to any relationship. Leaders should always be available to customers and partners, offering help and guidance as needed. This can be done through training, the establishment of customer service teams, or even personal support.

Showing appreciation: Showing appreciation is another important way to build strong relationships. Leaders should take the time to thank customers and partners for their loyalty and support.

This can be done through discounts, gifts, or simply showing gratitude. In this way, trust and loyalty are built, which helps to sustain the relationship over the long term.

Practical examples of how leadership can help build and maintain strong relationships with customers and partners include:

• A leader in a retail company who can communicate the company’s goals and values to customers can help build trust and create a positive customer experience. This can be done by ensuring that employees are well trained, provide excellent customer service, and ensure that the store is always clean and well stocked.
  
• A technology company leader who can build trust with partners can help create a strong and lasting relationship. This can be achieved by being honest and transparent about the company’s goals and values and consistently delivering on promises. This leader can also create a positive experience for partners by being responsive to their needs and willing to work together to find solutions.
  
• A consulting firm leader who creates a positive customer experience can help build strong and lasting relationships. This can be achieved by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, providing excellent customer service, and being responsive to customer needs.

Leadership Helps Promote Ethical Behavior and Integrity Within the Organization

Leadership plays a vital role in promoting ethical behavior and integrity within an organization. Good leaders create a culture where everyone feels safe and engage in honest communication with each other.

They also provide clear guidance to their employees on the importance of ethical behavior and hold them to high standards of integrity.

Here are a few practical examples of how leadership can promote ethical behavior and integrity:

Establishing a clear code of conduct: The most effective way for leaders to promote ethical behavior and integrity is to establish a clear code of conduct that outlines employee standards and expectations.

This code of conduct should be communicated to all employees in a way that is easily understood and reaffirmed regularly. This will ensure that employees understand the ethical expectations and the consequences for violating them.

Modeling ethical behavior: One of the most effective ways for leaders to promote ethical behavior is to lead by example. Leaders should demonstrate the highest level of ethical behavior and integrity and encourage their employees to do the same. This creates an environment where ethical behavior is the norm, and unethical behavior isn’t tolerated.

Setting clear consequences: Leaders should also make it clear to their employees that unethical behavior won’t be tolerated. They should set clear consequences for unethical behavior, such as disciplinary action or termination, and ensure that these consequences are consistently enforced.

This will ensure that employees understand that unethical behavior won’t be tolerated and will be punished. They will be more likely to behave ethically.

Rewarding ethical behavior: Finally, leaders should make it a point to recognize and reward ethical behavior whenever possible. This will help reinforce the behavior and encourage more employees to behave ethically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Leadership is essential to the success of any organization. It helps drive progress, innovation, and growth. Can you imagine a company without a leader? How would things get done? Strong leadership is essential in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment. Investing in leadership development and cultivating strong leaders is crucial for any organization’s long-term success.