The Top 10 Ways to Lead and Love It!

1. Know yourself.

Assess your strengths and weaknesses. It is often difficult for a power player/leader to trust others with what may be "weaknesses." Develop a resource for HONEST feedback about your behavior, attitude, follow through etc. This could be a mastermind group, coach, close friend or business alliance. Check in with this group/person on a regular basis. Set up quarterly feedback systems for employees and clients to give honest feedback about your leadership.

2. Work by its very nature is a shared enterprise.

The calmest, most efficient workplaces are where leaders, managers and employees have a shared sense of purpose instead of a sense of "Us and Them." Training, retreats, quality management are all practices that foster a calm, supportive, profitable and effective environment.

3. Demonstrate self control.

Employees describe the best bosses as people with self-control. Leaders, small business owners and managers who are calm under stress, remain composed, confident and dependable are perceived as the best bosses to work with.

4. Be trustworthy - yes, it sounds like a Boy Scout or Girl Scout, but it's sound business advice!

Leaders need to demonstrate being trustworthy. Those who have a high degree of integrity and concern for the needs of others are seen as the highest level of leader. (Cited from Daniel Golman Emotional Intelligence) We have seen far too many leaders who have lacked integrity and trustworthiness. The cost is significant.

5. Master social skills.

Superior social skills are a hallmark of great leaders. Social skills include being: empathic, sensitive, showing tact for subordinates and superiors.

6. Have a vision!

Lack of clear-cut vision, goals and timelines can destroy an organization. Have a large enough vision that inspires and can be achieved through people and systems that grow and change.

7. Follow through - DO what you say you'll do.

Nothing frustrates customers/clients and employees more than a leader who has a vision, but can't follow through on it. When you make a commitment, do it. Learn to carefully measure when you say YES so that you can always deliver on your word.

8. Praise your people frequently.

One of the primary motivational needs of people is recognition. You can motivate and create exceptional performance by praising those around you.

9. Create your own life balance.

Great leaders are often admired for living a life that others admire, not just by earning money.

10. Love being a leader!!

You are a leader for a reason. You have those qualities, skills, knowledge and wisdom that are necessary for the job. Leaders are often both formal - by title; and informal - not by title, but by who others look to for leadership. Recognize that you have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the larger playing field of life. Enjoy!

About the Submitter:

This piece was originally submitted by Iris Fanning, Coach University Graduate, Graduate School of Coaching, M.A., Business and Personal Success Coach, who can be reached at coachiris@hotmail.com>


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