A Leadership Kit for the Rest of Us

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Perhaps you are familiar with someone who matches this description: This well known leader knows everything that is going on in the organization and is always prepared with relevant facts and figures. He never makes a mistake and generally floats through the day in a cloud of super efficiency and kind beneficence. He has a firm grip on the wheel of organizational command and is personally responsible for the development of scores of successful executives. In addition, this leader is always there for the people he manages; a box of tissues or a celebratory beverage at the ready, depending on the situation…which he never misjudges. In addition, this leader never sacrifices family time for business related deadlines. He keeps to a strict workout schedule and always looks fresh in the latest business attire. Did I mention this person also has time to attend every networking event in his state and is frequently a requested speaker at high-dollar charity events? Does this description match your leadership portrait? No? That's okay – there's a plan for the rest of us.

Let's take a look at some leadership skills which you can incorporate into your portfolio for immediate results. Successful leadership is not easy and the definition itself is becoming more specific to the ability to adapt and relate, rather than the old command and govern. Whether you've recently been promoted to your first leadership position, or have been leading teams for years, the following tools can add weight to your bench and enhance your effectiveness in the most important area of business: leadership.

Defining leadership in business can be difficult. We are exposed to the accoutrements of leadership every day and sometimes the accessories and titles can be misleading. However, at the end of the day, leadership stands on its own with a direct relationship to results:

• Leadership is not the management of people or tasks.
• Leadership is not controlling inventory or creating budgets.
• Leadership does not magically come with the corner office.
• Leadership does not accrue with tenure.
• Leadership does not result from exploiting opportunities.

Leadership is the art of influence. And as with any art, while natural talent has center stage, the honing and practice of the skill set is the only path to excellence.

This above all: to thine own self be true. Climbing any career ladder, it is not uncommon to lose touch with ourselves in high pressure business environments. Many people have looked up to discover that they are not where they thought they would be at a certain point in their career, and they have not taken the time to discern whether they like where they have landed. Therefore it is very important, throughout your career, to continue to engage in activities and relationships that keep you well grounded and in touch with your true self. Keep counsel with the little voice in your head. Some people call this "listening to your gut." How do you feel about the work that you do? Are your contributions valued? Is your position a good match for your skills? You cannot influence others in a positive way if you are not happy and comfortable in your current situation.

Make the time to know your team. Gifted leaders find the "best fit" for their people and the companies they lead by developing a clear, un-sugar-coated view of the skills and competencies of their teams. There is no such thing as being "too busy" to know your own team. This should be a top priority. If you cannot say you know your team well, then shame on you. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of the people on your team, and you will be able to help them develop to their highest potential. You will be able to guide them in a career path that makes sense and allows them to do their best for the organization. Put in the time. Find out who those people are.

Develop good communication skills. Well, this sounds simple and easy. After all, every résumé I see these days tells me the applicant has excellent communication skills. It's a great day in America folks, we are all now excellent communicators! Unfortunately, good communication skills do not evolve haphazardly. Very good ideas are often sacrificed to lousy delivery. Your message cannot be effective if your delivery impacts people in such a way that they recall more about you than they do about what you have said. One good rule of thumb is to wait 24 hours before delivering a critical communication. Do not rush to deploy. Plan your message and stand down. Contemplate how your message will impact your audience. Is it as diplomatic as you can make it without sacrificing content? Will your audience be influenced to act? Is your idea presented with clarity? Run your communication by someone whose counsel you trust. This is how we learn and improve.

Hear it ALL. How are your listening skills? Maybe it's time for an update. Are you hearing the words but not the underlying concerns? Do you begin to tune out when it appears the speaker may be about to concentrate on a subject you don't want to hear about? Make sure you stop tasking in order to give the speaker your undivided attention. Give non-verbal signals of interest to the speaker to encourage more information and to ensure you get the whole story. Go deep with your listening: heed tone of voice, see facial expressions, pay attention to body language, observe personal dynamics, and note hesitation. Ask questions. Hear with your ears – listen with your brain

Focus on solutions, not problems. 99.9% of the time, everyone in the room understands what the problem is. Shifting the focus from the angst associated with the problem to the energy associated with the solution can be like a breath of fresh air. An inclusive environment that encourages all voices to contribute to that fresh air is inspiring. That also means being prepared – and able – to listen to alternative solutions, which just may be the most effective route to results. People who experience being part of the solution are changed forever. Give the gift of inclusion and focus on solutions.

You: An example. No, no one's perfect. And sometimes, we just don't want to think of our role as being an example to others. (So many of us heard this refrain when our parents wanted us to shape up and stop doing whatever it was our younger siblings were beginning to imitate.) But it's true: you can, and need to be a role model to others. People need a lighthouse, they really do. We are not talking about a character overhaul, here. It may be as simple as taking the high road and not always succumbing to the temptation of the cheap shot. An unfailing trait of always treating others with respect is a characteristic to be proud of. Dedication is a great trait to model. Erring on the side of giving the benefit of the doubt is another good one. Kindness is a trait that will encourage others to behave in the same vein. The integrity you bring to your role has the power to influence others in many ways.

Learn to adapt. Avoid creating iron-clad processes and rigid structures that smother creativity and stifle growth. An initiative that made perfect sense and worked well 10 years ago may need to be examined and reviewed for relevance. “That’s how we’ve always done it” is rarely a good reason for much of anything. Be an adaptable professional who is a proponent for intelligent change.

Be honest. Don't ever labor under the misconception that honesty is situational. Be true to your word. Do not lie to, or mislead your people. Trust is a precious commodity. Maintain and guard it jealously.

Take care of yourself. Maintain a healthy perspective. Take the time to step back and assess. Be realistic. Do not sacrifice the jewels of this life to your job. If you do, the trade will not end up in your favor. What are the jewels of life? Health of body, peace of mind, love of family and fire of spirit. Remember, only whole and healthy people can be successful leaders.

Leadership is not a mysterious science only to be practiced by a select few. Everyone can develop leadership qualities that can make a difference in their professional and personal lives and in the lives of others as well.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader - John Quincy Adams

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Tandem Partners is an organizational consulting firm specializing in people strategies that drive business results. Businesses of all types seek our assistance with a complete spectrum of people and organizational issues. For more information on developing leaders in your work place, please contact Melissa McDaniel at 301-662-2400 or via email: melissa@tandem-partners.com .

Copyright 2007 Tandem Partners

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