Being a leader in today’s marketplace calls for a leader to wear many hats and take on many roles within a company. Being successful and effective as a leader comes from a combination of a number of traits and skill sets, three of which, though not always apparent to the untrained eye, can make the difference between a highly respected and competent leader and one that is all show and little substance.
Effective Leaders Plan Flexibly
All effective leaders have a plan. Call it is vision, a mission or a set of goals. Every leader has a road map that they try to follow when leading the group of people they are in charge of and assigning the resources that make up their company on a journey through the marketplace. All effective leaders know that they need to be in a position of acting, rather than reacting when setbacks happen, because good leaders know that setbacks can and do occur. Having a plan that can evolve as needs change keeps the momentum going in a forward motion for the entire workforce.
They Respect Their Employees
Staying focused on a goal, and knowing how to search for solutions, rather than focusing on blaming and shaming when slow downs happen, is what sets a truly compelling leader apart from the rest. Expecting that every plan will have its weaknesses, but knowing and having confidence in the people they have hired to deal with whatever trouble comes along, is a mark of leadership success. When a leader is reasonable and pragmatic, respect flows both to all employees and from their employees, creating a positive and action-based atmosphere.
They Communicate Clearly
Effective leaders leave no ambiguity when they communicate with others. If they need something done, they don’t hint or hope that it will somehow magically be accomplished. Good communication from the top leads to accountability among a staff. Clear accountability leads to goals being reported on and accomplished. Open communication is what enables a good leader to be hands-off and allows the skills and intelligence of their staff to shine as they work unimpeded for the common goals of the company.