The responsive manager is one who is attentive to the needs of the stakeholders of his actions viz. the management, team members and the customers and act and gets things done by others. He drives the workforce by leading his subordinates and supporting the superiors to the company vision. His presence provides satisfaction to the customers who are assured of the fulfilment of their demands through innovative employees led by the responsive manager.

As an individual, he has set his goals and directs his activities with the objective of attainment of his goals. He is always on the look out for the changes in the technology and keeps pace with the changes through attending the training and development programs, networking through professional associations, etc. A responsive manager is open to changes and accepts them for the betterment of his and the team’s objectives. He takes advantage of the changes to bring out innovative ideas which can be utilised for the accomplishment of the company vision.

As a responsive manager, he is alert to the needs and requirements of his subordinates. The leader maintains a professional and personal relationship with his subordinates guiding them to higher levels up the career ladder. A good leader identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the subordinates, assists them in making use of their skills, and informs them of the training programs and encourages them to undergo training which helps them in their career development. He is a guide who assists in ensuring that the subordinates have chosen the right career path for future on the basis of his knowledge of the individual skills of the subordinates. He conducts an unbiased performance appraisal of his subordinates, delegates work and accountability to the subordinates giving them opportunity to lead a team in future.

As a responsive manager, he moves with the changes in technology enabling him to contribute innovative ideas to the management and the customers. This helps in creating a rapport with the customer and the management. The management will be open to his suggestions for improvement. Similarly the management will lend ears to the employee grievances put by the manager before them. Customers are pleased with the excellent performance displayed by the innovative leader and highly motivated team members. This leads to better brand image and wealth maximisation, paving way for the success of the company. The manager gives and earns respect from those who deal with him. He understands that his personal development and his future career planning is possible only with the help and support of his team and the organisation. This induces him to exhibit better performance in all his activities.

Jack Welch’s view on the kind of leader a company requires is worth mentioning here. He said, “You clearly want somebody who can articulate a vision. They have to have enormous energy and the incredible ability to energise others. If you can’t energise others, you can’t be a leader”. A visionary who has respect for human values goes a long way in contributing to the success of a business entity.