The ABCs of Leadership

Some people seem to achieve a level of excellence in whatever they pursue. They stand out as leaders regardless of their specialty. A colleague and I recently discussed the dynamics of this phenomenon. We asked, "What does it take to achieve the highest effectiveness as a leader?" After pouring over mounds of research material, it became apparent that certain traits repeatedly appear: Inner Qualities, Attitude, Communication Skills and Goal Orientation.

Inner Qualities

Always be conscious that true leadership must be earned. Sure you may be given a position of authority, but the respect associated with that position must be maintained through wise decisions and honorable actions. Consider the manager who speaks softly and thoughtfully and makes wise decisions. Response to the individual's authority and directives will be much more positive than to the director who talks down to staff and reprimands them in front of others.

Be aware that integrity is the framework upon which earned leadership is built. People need to believe your motives are pure. They should feel that they can count on you to keep your word and to look out for the best interest of both individuals and the group. To support this confidence, the decisions left to your discretion and the actions you take should reflect the highest principles.

Consider the importance of modest self-confidence. This is something that comes from within and is developed over time. It reflects self-respect as well as respect for others. People appreciate the demeanor projected by someone with the confidence to jump in and take action but few want to follow the proud and arrogant. Individuals with modest self-assurance are able to state an opinion or give supervision without the necessity of trying to please everyone all the time.

Develop the ability to recognize your weaknesses and strengths. People who know and accept who they are possess information that will assist them in making informed decisions. They are better able to understand what they should do themselves, and what to delegate to others, and the process of decision making that works best for them.

Excel by concentrating on your strengths. Focus on what you do best. Use your strengths to compensate for your weaknesses. If you have strong interests in a given area, develop them. If interaction with people or administration is your forte, concentrate on those areas. It is easier to fine-tune areas of interest than to cultivate territory that has little appeal to you.

Form a passion to learn. Find out all you can about the world in which you live. Knowledge is an essential ingredient in making wise decisions. Seek out information that will enable you to make the best possible decisions and perform tasks to the best of your ability.

Gain wisdom from every situation. Since wisdom is a blend of knowledge, experience, and understanding, the wise person generally has good judgment and the ability to see behind the obvious. Although everyone possesses the potential for wisdom, it is developed over time and requires special attention if it is to grow. The results are of immeasurable value.

Hold a balance between your physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, and professional needs. Well-rounded people have a broad integrated perspective of life. This enables them to make decisions based on a healthy balance of knowledge.

Attitude

Instigate a climate in which the right attitude is always taken. Attitude determines much of what people achieve in life. Optimistic, enthusiastic people who have a good sense of humor and a vision for what can be accomplished tend to be achievers.

Just as you desire to be liked, demonstrate a genuine love for others. The president of a large and rapidly growing sales organization was asked the reason for the continued growth of his business. He responded that such growth comes when managers and sales people genuinely love their people. While it is important to know how to approach people when working with them, many problems can be averted if you are genuine and people recognize your motives as pure.

Keep the desire to serve the people with whom you work and the customers for whom you are responsible. Giving of yourself to benefit others has been called the secret to personal happiness. It is much more rewarding than demanding actions from others. Don't spend your time reprimanding staff and demanding that they do more. Care about them personally and do all you can to encourage their development.

Learn to be a team player. Support the projects and aspirations of others. Be a cheerleader for the organization, its members, and their projects. The enthusiasm associated with such support is contagious, since people tend to gravitate toward positive action.

Maintain an appropriate sense of loyalty to others. Others should feel confident that your effort will always be in the best interest of the organization and those with whom you work. They should understand that you are committed to fulfilling the goals and tasks to which you are assigned. In turn, your customers and those you supervise should see you as someone who will look out for their best interests through even the most difficult of circumstances.

Never forget the importance of empathy. Try to look at things from other people's perspective and understand their feelings and motivations. For example, make disciplinary actions in a way that will benefit the employees' development and allow them to retain their dignity. Reprimand in private; focus on the individuals' behaviors – not on their personal character. Time should also be allotted for them to explain their perspective. You can then work with them toward a reasonable solution that will benefit their future actions and the organization in general.

Obtain an understanding of the part you are to play as each situation unfolds. Recognize that your role is different when someone else is running the program than when you are in charge. A wise leader can provide support to others as well as take charge. This spirit of flexibility can help others develop their management skills.

Communication Skills

Place premiere importance on developing your communication skills. Effective communication skills are essential if you are to convey your ideas so others can understand and accept them.

Learn to write down your ideas in simple, easy-to-understand sentences. Good grammar, error-free notes, memos, and reports that are well documented and to the point command respect.

Become a conversationalist. Direct dialogue between two or more individuals involves the ability to deliver information in a way that is well received. Develop the ability to look others in the eye, to state your ideas clearly and to use language and illustrations to which they will respond.

Be conscious of nonverbal messages. This includes hair and clothing style, posture, facial expression, and the frequency of eye contact. Observe the way people in leadership positions conduct themselves and learn their moves. Stand erect, speak with confidence, and wear clean clothes appropriate to the situation.

Learn to listen. Listening provides the opportunity to know people and understand the most amicable approaches for decision making and problem solving. Simple questions such as "What do you think?" or "What ideas do you have?" the generic "How is it going?" help draw people into conversation and provide a format for gaining knowledge. Try to talk 20% of the time and listen 80%.

Get comfortable speaking in front of others. Look for opportunities to make public presentations, especially if they are difficult for you. This may involve anything from small group meetings to formal presentations in front of large groups. Practice will help you fine-tune your speaking and presentation skills for the future.

Questions that are important to others deserve an answer. Being "in the know" has been described as a primary key to motivation. Many rumors and feelings of discontent emerge because of a lack of knowledge. People need to understand the rationale behind the decisions that are made. They may not agree with every decision that is made, but it will help them feel part of the overall program and willing to make the extra effort necessary to ensure its success.

Remember to learn the culture and live by it. Determine the best you can the customs and habits of the people with whom you are working. Are people serious and impersonal, or are they informal and jovial? Observe too, their dress and general areas of interest. A cowboy hat may fit in well in Texas but be out of place in Boston. Actions and dress establish an unspoken message they will draw people to you or turn them away.

Study the individuals with whom you work and learn how to deal most effectively with each one. Each person you supervise needs a different level of accountability. Some function best with a great deal of autonomy while others desire direction. Treat each one with the balance of structure and freedom needed for optimal performance.

Take the time to share the glory. Healthy affirmation can help people feel good about their accomplishment and spur them to continue in their efforts. When someone does a particularly good job or enlists the courage to do something new, let the person know you're aware of the accomplishment. When possible, do so in public. Of course, it's essential that you be sincere; false platitudes are easily recognized and can do the opposite of what you intended.

Understand the dynamics involved in problem solving. Gain the ability to see the problem, arrive at solutions, and implement these remedies in a timely manner. Try to see the big picture while considering the details. Seek input from a variety of sources, including the people affected by the decision. Intuition, which is an internal feeling that comes from a strong base of knowledge, should be factored into the equation. Recognize that sometimes there is no best solution. Be willing to compromise. And consider the feelings of others when announcing conclusions.

Goal Orientation

Vision is the ability to conceive a perspective of what can be accomplished. Benjamin Franklin was known for his ability to see possibilities and to set things right. The result was many inventions and the formation of numerous institutions, including America's first hospital. Of course, a vision without goals is just an idea. Some of the most talented are also the most unsuccessful simply because they have not established guidelines to harness their abilities. Leaders need to see possibilities, set specific goals, prioritize, and then work tenaciously if they wish to see their vision come to reality.

Goals establish activities that are measurable by time and action. Goals should be written so it is possible to see what is accomplished and when. They provide the structure for determining the timing and effort needed to see a vision blossom into reality.

Priorities should be set so time is spent doing what is most important in order to reach your objective. Before each day begins, set a structure for the activities that need to be accomplished. Be smart. Work smart. Your intent should be to focus on meaningful accomplishments and not on meaningless activity.

Always complete what you start. People should be able to count on you to finish any job you are given or personal goal you set. If complications set in, let the people involved know so they can work with you to solve the problem.

Weight should be placed on finding someone in whom you can confide to help you reach your goals. Everyone needs a confidant to turn to for advice. Find someone who will listen to you and help guide your thought. A wise friend who is concerned about your development and success can provide invaluable insights.

Xamine the importance of taking your responsibilities seriously. Own your job. Do every task with the same commitment you would give if it were for your personal business.

You must take responsibility for your career. Take the initiative. Be a doer – a person of action with the reputation of getting things accomplished. Volunteer to get things done. Take control of your career or it will stagnate.

Zealously seek excellence. The caliber of your work should reflect a desire for excellence. You'll lack the dexterity and skill of a seasoned veteran the first time you attempt something. But the end product should always reflect your best efforts. Know the difference between those things that require perfection and those things that don't. The person who requires flawlessness in everything will have time to accomplish little. Wisdom is needed to determine the level of perfection right for the occasion.

Leaders should find the intrigue of developing qualities of leadership to be never ending and immeasurably rewarding.