We’re all different…

We’re all different…

Everyone possesses the raw ingredients to be an effective and (possibly a) great leader.  These 9 things that effective leaders do will help you in your leadership journey.

1. They lead by example. They possess an unquenchable passion for successfully implementing their vision regardless of the disapproval of those individuals who fail to see the bigger picture. They trust their people to deal with the day to day, whilst they focus on where the organisation needs to go and how it will get there.

2. They know how to be themselves and are proud of who they are. Because they are comfortable in their own skin, they are able to do what they need to do and say what they need to say with conviction — and without caring about what anyone else thinks.

3. They have the ability to inspire confidence in others. They can clearly and concisely communicate their message to motivate those around; teams will do more for leaders they respect than they would do for anyone else.

4. They are never self-serving. Unlike the star employee, they aren’t focused on proving themselves but are focused unconditionally (and not selfishly) on what is best for the organisation. They put their vision for the team and organisation above their own interests.

5. They very rarely question themselves. Instead, they listen to their inner voice and trust it completely, allowing it to be their guide with each step they take, even as they move in directions that no one has gone before.

6. They know when to take advice (and what to do with it). They value support from others and bring into their circle people whom they believe to be ‘better’ than themselves. They realise how large their tasks are and find the resources (and people) they need to generate support. You can develop your talent by assisting their progression through the use of coaches and mentors so that they have support when they need it.

7. They possess the foresight to move ahead, particularly when things are tough. They take risks and realise the importance of moving forward—daring themselves and others to break new ground. They realise this is part of their responsibility and not something they can turn their backs on, instead relishing the opportunity to take a novel approach.

8. They love what they do and communicate their passion to others. They exude a passionate energy that rubs off on others around them. They have a light, effortless, and clear persona that is projected to everyone they meet. Others feel this and want to be a part of the vision that the leader is bringing forward.

9. (As the motto of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst puts it) they ‘Serve to Lead’ by following. They trust those who are in authority above them and are loyal to them. They are inspired by the vision that is being passed on to them and may even notice themselves liking and wanting to be more like their leaders and managers.

There are no absolutes in leadership.  Approaches will differ, but an overriding focus on doing what ought to be done rather than what one wants to do has the potential to deliver success regardless of approach and relative skill set.  No 2 leaders are the same, yet both will be focussed on achieving an outcome, both will have the potential to become great at what they do.  In studying leaders always take a broad approach.  Develop your leadership based on a blend of talents and attributes that will work with your personality and qualities in the environment in which you operate.