MANAGEMENT PROFILE
Holistic leadership
Alikie Perera
The quality of a company’s management committee is an indicator of its overall health and performance, Alikie Perera notes. In contrast, inept management can result in poor performance, low morale and possibly even failure, she cautions.
Since this committee is responsible for making strategic decisions and overseeing day-to-day operations, a qualified and experienced team with the maturity to work well together and keep a business steady through turbulent times – such as what Sri Lanka has experienced – will contribute to success.
Moreover, investors often pay close attention to the quality of the leadership when making investment decisions – a strong management team indicates that a company is poised for growth.
Perera explains: “The management team is a key factor in the success or failure of any investment. Focussing on professional track records and achievements is important but in today’s context, other factors are equally important.”
“While due diligence must necessarily evaluate that the team has the necessary skills to execute the company’s strategies and vision, confidence in behaviour and culture are equally important,” she adds.
She goes on to say that these days, a management team has to deliver performance not only in terms of profits but also diversity, equity, inclusion, transparency and so on. This is because investors, stakeholders and employees consider these factors when evaluating the overall performance of a company.
“Management behaviour and integrity are as important as competence. Therefore, due diligence to review team members’ holistic management skills is becoming increasingly important,” Perera emphasises.
In addition to being responsible for selecting and recruiting suitable staff, and providing leadership and direction to ensure employees work towards an organisation’s goals, the management team must also ensure that the requirements of various stakeholders are adequately met.
The team is also responsible for policy formulation, problem solving and critical decision making, while also identifying new opportunities and developing innovative solutions to meet the demands of a dynamic corporate landscape – and of course, staying relevant and impactful.
Perera elaborates: “Members should display a high level of engagement and involvement, as it is their skills and expertise that drive the organisation. This is different to micromanagement, which can be detrimental to a company – as ideally, employees should be empowered, and have a clear idea of their roles and responsibilities.”
The management committee needs to possess high levels of integrity and ethical behaviour, and be seen to practise these traits. She emphasises that this is of extreme importance as committee members participate in organisational decision making.
As such, the team is responsible for promoting a company-wide culture of ethics and integrity, the first step of which is to develop a code of conduct.
It also has a responsibility to ensure compliance and conformance, both in external and internal operations, ensuring that all operations comply with laws and regulations, as well as community and stakeholder expectations.
Perera asserts: “As the chair of an organisation, if I were to pick the management committee, I’d look for strong leadership – including the ability to inspire and motivate employees, as well as members who have demonstrated strong strategic thinking abilities by making informed decisions.”
The ability to adapt to changing market conditions is especially important in today’s corporate landscape, which is often beset by uncertainty and rapid change. She says: “An effective manager should also possess strong communication and teamwork skills, and be able to inspire motivation and confidence among the staff.
“Integrity and leading by example, and setting high standards – including for employees – are also important. These traits will set the tone for the company’s operations,” Perera explains, in summing up.
