Leaders and Marketers

Do company leaders have marketing philosophy?

 

Looking at the connections between leadership and marketing, I believe that all leaders of an organization are in some way “marketing thinkers”. Those in charge of leading an organization will be customer focused in growing and developing the company. Drucker emphasizes the idea that many marketing concepts and philosophies are applicable to leadership techniques. This includes strategic thinking with an emphasis on the customer. I feel that many leaders must be customer focused in their daily operations. Including both top and middle management, having a marketing background will help the leader keep the customer’s needs in mind. Leaders must “know their stuff”, and those with marketing backgrounds have a great handle on the products. After all, they work closely with the customer in ensuring they have all their specified features. Knowing the customer is a key point in leading a small group of individuals or an entire organization.

Leaders must know the product, as well as staying educated as to the changes in the industry. Staying educated with a marketing philosophy will also help in ensuring innovation. As Drucker indicates, innovation is essential to business success and will help the company continue to grow. Forward thinking is necessary for any leader, as indicated one of Cohen’s 8 Leadership Principles (Get out in front).  Leaders must also know the customer’s needs/wants as well as potential future implications. Looking at the leaders that I have previously worked with, I would definitely say that they were very customer driven. In the accounting industry, creating valuable relationships while giving great customer service becomes vital. A part of that is to “know your stuff” and knowing your customers. Leaders of my previous firms knew the customer’s needs and wants and were able to communicate those ideas to others members of the organization. Their information was essential in strengthening the team, and in the end improving everyone’s customer relationships.This helped in making improving customer satisfaction.