Essentials of Leadership?
Being a leader today is not easy. Times are changing fast and whether you are a strategic or an operational leader the demands upon you are many. How to be an effective leader has puzzled many a great man and woman, but perhaps an even more baffling question is where to find the answer! Theory and management text books provide much valuable information but also some that conflicts, is not relevant to today or even confusing. For example, if you work through all the skills and qualities that great leaders should possess you may fall asleep by number 101! Is this a useful alternative to counting sheep? What about advice from today's successful leaders? Undoubtedly, you will pick up some really useful ideas, hints, tips and guidelines but how much will it help you in your job in your organisation. Application is not always easy because the underlying issues, people and environment are different. What is right for one organisation cannot be immediately transferred to another. There is also lots of information available on the Internet from organisations that can help but how long will it take you to sift through it all? Perhaps one way of looking at leadership is from the angle of those you lead. What should they expect from you as a bare minimum? How about the following:
Direction
People need to know where they are going, otherwise how can they tell that they are moving in the right direction. If it is a long journey it is useful to let them know what they will see, hear and feel along the way. If a short journey then let them know what they will get at the destination. At all times people need to know what's in it for them. Well-informed and willing people will run along the platform and jump on the first train because they are so keen, whereas those who don't know which train to get might not be so eager and let opportunities to travel slip by. Some might not even turn up or buy a ticket!
Clarity
For most of us today's business world is complex and full of rival products and services and customers with lots of different requirements. Part of the leader's role is to simplify this so people can focus on their objectives, knowing that they are doing the right thing. Of course they want to know what is happening and what the future may hold, but in a simplified version so they can have confidence in those they look up to for leadership and guidance.
Involvement
If it affects them, people want to be involved. As a matter of routine many organisations devolve responsibility for problem solving and decision making 'down the line' to those who are better informed because they live and breathe the problem. People down there may need support to identify and evaluate the options available but they need to be involved. If you want to know what your customers really think of you then ask those who have direct contact with them - the people in the frontline. It is not always possible to involve people in every decision that you, as a leader, make, but always consider how much is possible. Consultation and participation often lead to greater commitment when it comes to implementation.
Feedback
The more the better! People love to know how things are going, how they are doing from day to day as well as at formal performance reviews. It is much easier to give the less positive feedback if people are used to being praised and feel valued. Leaders often feel very isolated when things go wrong because they put themselves in that position, always shouldering the full weight of the burden when they have a team to help them. If people are aware of problems when they first happen it is much easier to get them to help look for a solution. Develop a culture that encourages people to anticipate and solve problems before they cause damage. To do this you must communicate to everyone openly and share information about the organisation's successes and failures. The more you communicate with your people the more you will understand each other. Finally….. Of course the only real way to find out people's expectations of you as a leader is to ask them! Go on, what have you got to lose?