Business
Over the years as I trained many different managers and leaders there became over time some consistent behaviors that I could recognize. These 5 practices that were common to the most effective leaders became part of my training cycle. I would watch for them and as soon as they manifested we would work to enhance and build upon them. I hope that you are able to then find them in yourself and your leadership style.Shared VisionThe shared vision was often one of the first traits or practices that would manifest in a new manager or leaderThe ability to create a picture of a preferred outcome.Then to generate energy in the direction of completing and achieving that shared outcome.A true vision and the ability to share the excitement of what you can see also allows us to initiate action.Self-drive can be difficult for many people. Self-leadership is the hardest type of leadershipWe may not push ourselves to full potentialThis is the truest form of failureLearn to never let yourself downLearn to use imagination daily. Going to seem like something that is not normally sharedOne of the strongest traits we can have is to see potential and have a huge vision.Enabling othersAnother name for this would be empowerment.Very few leaders know how to accomplish this. It is amazing how many feel that empowerment removes authority when in fact it creates it.It focuses on collaboration and achievement as a team or group.It builds morale and helps the team build unity and strength. This is all caused by a strong sense of ownership.Find ways to empower yourself. Ensure that you find what motivated you and use it.It creates a sense of accountability and helps to keep you moving forward.Challenging the processHave an open mind and as well as an open door.Be willing to try new ideas and as well listen to people.Always be looking for new opportunities.This is a trait that can bridge gaps in leadership and develop a team mentality.This one can be tough; you may be challenging the way an organization does things. Know what chances to take and make sure that you protect yourself and your team.Always plan with an escape route in mind for you and your team this allows for innovation and is a safe environment.Always above all things protect the team.Modeling the wayEffective leaders steer the course.They create plansThose plans help direct the team and ensure performance as it moves along in the process.This also means that things are monitored and performance evaluated in an ongoing fashion.Assess and take corrective action as it becomes necessary.Become the role model in everything that you do and act in a fashion that is congruent with your values and moralsThis will allow you to be natural and your team will recognize this.If we act out of character or not ourselves this will be very easy to read and can cause the loss of respect.Encouraging the heart Celebrate your team and your successes as a group.As well as celebrate individual accomplishments.Show the team that you care This is something that is darn right impossible to overdo But to ignore or underperform in this aspect and be crushing to success and performance.Be creative in how you recognize and personalize your style whenever possible.These were taught to me as a young manager and I grew and refined my leadership skills; these always stayed true with me. Thanks for listening.