Here are some of the things that make people a successful leader. You may find this particularly useful if you are new to leadership and management or aspire to do so. If you pay attention to even just one thing you are on your way there. So here we go.
The ability to organise details
Successful leaders have the ability to organise projects and to master the finer details. By organising projects I mean lead a team to deliver the projects on time and on budget. How do you do this? Well, you build a team of capable people around you. It is the people around you who will ensure that the finer details are completed. A successful leader knows about all of the finer details.
For example a Project Manager who is responsible for a new office block will need the skills of a carpenter, telecoms engineer, constuction team, etc to make it happen. The manager is the general with the rest of the team as lieutenants.
Willingness to perform any task
Great leaders and managers are willing to muck in where needed to get the job done. So when you or your team are in a position where an extra person is needed, let's say to cover the reception desk or clean up a building after a burst watermain (I've been there), get to it. Leaders should be willing to step in on any occasion.
Encourage the growth of team members
As a leader be prepared to train staff by delegating some of the work of your own position. This way you can concentrate on other things and possibly be in other places. If you have to be at a really important meeting why not get a staff member to prepare a report you were working on? See this as a competition and you risk appearing insecure. See this as development and you will reap more rewards. Your ability to get others to perform will bring you loyalty. Give more and you get more back.
Be creative
Don't worry, I'm not asking you to become Van Gogh. What I mean by "be creative" is to think about what you would do in an emergency. If your department became displaced because of damage to your office what would you do with them? How would you get them to still work even though they are displaced? Could they work from home? Maybe share office space with another department. Think of strategies you could create in a short space of time.
Be selfless
Recognise the work of members of your team. Claiming all of the honour for the work of your team is very unattractive and they are more likely to be resentful. Remember that people love to be recognised especially if there is success and because of it will give you more of the same. A really good manager takes none of the credit. They are more likely to smile to themselves, with pride, and say "I have a fantastic team".
Control your own emotions
I have seen managers lose it and destroy the morale of their teams and also lose respect. Control your emotions and think every day you enter work and leave it, "Are my staff happy? How can I continually get the best out of them?"
Show loyalty
Show loyalty to your colleagues, direct reports, and those above you. Show this and you will be a great leader and one for as long as you want to be.
Just lead
By this I mean just do your job as a leader and lead your team. People don't need to be constantly reminded that you are in authority. You also don't need to put fear into your staff. If you know what you are doing and how to get the best out of people you have no need to keep reminding everyone that you are in a leadership position. Reminding people means reminding yourself and if you have to remind yourself just ask "Am I confident in this role?"
Is it all in the job title?
This one continues on from the point above. Does the job title make the leader? Action speaks much louder than words. If you have to keep mentioning your job title it probably means you have nothing else to mention. Also, does your job title reflect what you do? Who cares?
These are just some of the things that will help you to become a successful leader. If you are a new leader or aspire to become one read I hope you find these points useful. All in all I just want to encourage anyone who reads this to be the best leader they can be.
Please feel free to leave comments or get in touch.
Look out for next month’s blog on: Minimising your own stress as a manager
The ability to organise details
Successful leaders have the ability to organise projects and to master the finer details. By organising projects I mean lead a team to deliver the projects on time and on budget. How do you do this? Well, you build a team of capable people around you. It is the people around you who will ensure that the finer details are completed. A successful leader knows about all of the finer details.
For example a Project Manager who is responsible for a new office block will need the skills of a carpenter, telecoms engineer, constuction team, etc to make it happen. The manager is the general with the rest of the team as lieutenants.
Willingness to perform any task
Great leaders and managers are willing to muck in where needed to get the job done. So when you or your team are in a position where an extra person is needed, let's say to cover the reception desk or clean up a building after a burst watermain (I've been there), get to it. Leaders should be willing to step in on any occasion.
Encourage the growth of team members
As a leader be prepared to train staff by delegating some of the work of your own position. This way you can concentrate on other things and possibly be in other places. If you have to be at a really important meeting why not get a staff member to prepare a report you were working on? See this as a competition and you risk appearing insecure. See this as development and you will reap more rewards. Your ability to get others to perform will bring you loyalty. Give more and you get more back.
Be creative
Don't worry, I'm not asking you to become Van Gogh. What I mean by "be creative" is to think about what you would do in an emergency. If your department became displaced because of damage to your office what would you do with them? How would you get them to still work even though they are displaced? Could they work from home? Maybe share office space with another department. Think of strategies you could create in a short space of time.
Be selfless
Recognise the work of members of your team. Claiming all of the honour for the work of your team is very unattractive and they are more likely to be resentful. Remember that people love to be recognised especially if there is success and because of it will give you more of the same. A really good manager takes none of the credit. They are more likely to smile to themselves, with pride, and say "I have a fantastic team".
Control your own emotions
I have seen managers lose it and destroy the morale of their teams and also lose respect. Control your emotions and think every day you enter work and leave it, "Are my staff happy? How can I continually get the best out of them?"
Show loyalty
Show loyalty to your colleagues, direct reports, and those above you. Show this and you will be a great leader and one for as long as you want to be.
Just lead
By this I mean just do your job as a leader and lead your team. People don't need to be constantly reminded that you are in authority. You also don't need to put fear into your staff. If you know what you are doing and how to get the best out of people you have no need to keep reminding everyone that you are in a leadership position. Reminding people means reminding yourself and if you have to remind yourself just ask "Am I confident in this role?"
Is it all in the job title?
This one continues on from the point above. Does the job title make the leader? Action speaks much louder than words. If you have to keep mentioning your job title it probably means you have nothing else to mention. Also, does your job title reflect what you do? Who cares?
These are just some of the things that will help you to become a successful leader. If you are a new leader or aspire to become one read I hope you find these points useful. All in all I just want to encourage anyone who reads this to be the best leader they can be.
Please feel free to leave comments or get in touch.
Look out for next month’s blog on: Minimising your own stress as a manager
