Business Leadership and Turkey“What kind of a leader will be permanent in Turkey of 21st Century?”

Prof. Dr. Yeşim Toduk AkişBilgi University

Background Leadership literature Robert House – Outstanding Leaders Marvin Bower – The Will To Lead :Running a Business with a network of

Leaders

Trust literature Building Trust by Robert C. Solomon & Fernando Flores Trust by Francis Fukuyama

Studies in Turkey: TESEV (Turkish Economic Social Studies Foundation) World’s Values Research (Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Esmer) Philosopher Prof. Dr. Ahmet İnam (METU)

Methodology In depth interviews 2000 Business executives

during 10 years, 200 projects Business development – 300 Career coaching – 100

TOTAL 2400 INTERVIEWS

Questionnaire sent in 2004 + 20 interviews

200 responded; 3 questions:1. What is leadership?2. What is trust?3. What is the relation

between them?

Model of Turkish Ideal Leadership

21 Leadership Characteristics 1. Trust

a) Trusting in the followersb) Being trustworthy / Being trusted by the

followers

2. Forming an open communication3. Being consistent, believer and strong minded4. Having the feeling of fairness5. Being a visionary6. Integrating expectations with the vision7. Being innovative8. Being sensitive towards others9. Acting as a model

21 Leadership Characteristics (cont.)

10. Being passionate and self-sacrificing11. Giving inspiration12. Motivating others13. Being a good listener14. Being modest15. Being pragmatist16. Building teams with synergy17. Being sensitive towards situations18. Taking quick and effective decisions19. Speed (using time efficiently)20. Being flexible21. Having knowledge