Effective Leadership
...-not what- you serve in your leadership capacity. Help them succeed in contributing to the organization, help them learn and grow, and see them as your 'customer.'" (Cook) Leaders articulate a dynamic and inspiring vision that motivates others to follow them. Those who cannot articulate a guiding principle are not likely to lead others very far. In the words of Gregory Smith, who likens leaders to gladiators of the ancient world, "Call it a purpose, an obsession, a calling: whatever the terminology, good leaders have a defining mission in their life. This mission, above all other traits, separates managers from leaders." It is only by enunciating and formulating a credible, realistic, and achievable mission that leaders are able to convince others to follow them through thick and thin. Being a leader requires one to examine options and then decide. Although they often discuss issues and delegate responsibilities, true leaders cannot ignore their ultimate responsibility to make tough decisions, even if unpopular. Great leaders not only make decisions with confidence, but they take calculated risks and are innovative. They realize that adopting a timid, head-in-the-sand posture is fruitless. In fact, decisiveness and the ability to distill complex problems into their core essence are two of the hallmarks of a truly effective leader. According to Ed Konczal, "Leaders encourage people to learn and grow. They point them in the right direction and then get out of the way." He also argues "leaders create and sustain a high performance environment and empower people by providing learning opportunities." (Konczal) Encouragement can take a variety of forms, from a simple word of praise, to a pat on the back, to public acclamation. Indeed, true leaders encourage others to: · Step out of their customary boundaries and look at issues from a new perspective;· Unleash their creativity and accept new challenges;· Dissent and critique the status quo and customary ways of doing things;· Set high standards and meet them;· Embrace change and uncover competing commitments. True leaders reward, value, and extol the achievements of others. Paul Thornton ,leadership trainer, reminds us that effective managers and leaders "reward and recognize people, who demonstrate the ability to work independently, make decisions and get the job done." (Thornton)As part of their overall reward system, effective leaders provide feedback so that others can adjust their behavior to achieve desired outcomes. It makes little sense to reward someone who meets a goal by simple chance. Thornton states, "Real confidence is based on achieving results, one success after another. When leaders provide rewards and recognition, it's a validation of people's talents and determination." (Thornton) The word "leader" stands for someone who leads, enables, articulates, decides, encourages, and rewards. Although these are not the only traits exhibited by successful leaders, they do epitomize those characteristics shared by nearly all those who successfully influence others. Besides applying the general guidelines, those seeking to become effective leaders should ask themselves critical questions as part of an on-going effort to improve their leadership skills. An effective leader allows for different ideas to be heard and discussed. An effective leader respects individual choices and decisions. Free and open expression coupled with visionary leadership generally encourages good decision-making. Effective leadership is never an exercise of compulsion or a study in domination. An effective leader gives clear, precise expectations and instructions and then lets employees decide how best to accomplish the details. Effective leader has a full vision of what needs to happen but takes employees through the process of accomplishment one step at a time and provides plenty of opportunity for reporting and feedback. An effective leader delegates significant responsibilities. No one likes to be a gopher for someone else. Employees who are given significant responsibilities are empowered and prepared to be future leaders. An effective leader provides assistance and advice when it is requested and gives encouragement abundantly. An effective leader sets an example of hard work. An effective leader promotes accountability, not guilt. Accountability means accepting the praise for a job well done as well as the blame for a failure. But with the blame for a failure, comes a responsibility to find a working solution for the problem that caused the failure and a resolve to move forward. Effective leaders are focused on people, not programs. They are more concerned for the growth, development, and success of members in their individual responsibilities than in the perfect execution. Social scientists have helped leaders to learn a great deal about organizations and people. For example, motivating people by fear is very powerful -- for a very short time. People can become more motivated just by getting a little attention from their supervisors. Despite the complexity of theories among social scientists, current and conventional wisdom suggests certain common guidelines for effectively leading and motivating people. One foundation for effective Leadership is effectively leading your self. Effectively leading yourself is indeed the foundation for almost anything you do in your life. Whatever inspires you and helps you feel in the long run, they're far more important (to y...