With all that is going on in the world, our nation, in our communities, and in our facilities, there is a great deal of discussion around the need for leadership. The term is used often and may not be clearly understood by all. This misunderstanding may be a big part of the underlying problems we face on many levels. Whether we are dealing with a national crisis or resolving an issue with a small work team, here are ten basic concepts on leadership that should be considered:
1. Leaders are motivated by a sincere desire to seek the collective best interest of those being led; not a self focused, self serving agenda.
2. Leaders create a clear vision and path to success; not an uncertain future full of doubt.
3. Leaders make decisions based on what followers need and need to hear; not what followers want nor want to hear.
4. Leaders continually look to improve situations and remove obstacles; not be comfortable with status quo or waiting for problems to surface.
5. Leaders take responsibility and ensure things get done; not wait around for someone else to act and blame others.
6. Leaders address areas of concern timely; not ignore things and allow problems to magnify.
7. Leaders narrow everyone’s focus to meaningful things that impact results; not complain about things outside their control.
8. Leaders find ways to be successful; not accept average results.
9. Leaders focus on long-term, sustainable solutions; not temporary “fixes”.
10. Leaders bring people together and bring out the best in everyone; not isolate people and allow divisions in the group.
If you feel like you aren’t making progress with others, take a self assessment on the items above. It may just change the way you approach your role.
