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Principles to Be a Leader

 
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PostPosted: Dec Sun 17, 2006 1:29 pm    Post subject: Principles to Be a Leader Reply with quote

Principles to Be a Leader

The Top 10 Principles for Leaders Who Others Want to Follow

Every person who is in a leadership role wants to be respected. The sign of a true leader is one who has earned a reputation of someone who others want to work for. By keeping in mind these simple principles, you can build that very reputation for yourself.

1. Everyone is watching.
The first and one of the most important principles is to remember you are a role model. You are constantly setting examples--both good and bad. Everyone is always watching you, especially your staff. Your employees will do as you do. Therefore, you must constantly remind yourself that you are a role model. Just as sports figures influence their fans, you, too, are an important influence on the people who surround you in the work place.

2. Learn from the bad ones.
Throughout your life you will work for and with a variety of individuals. On those occasions when you find yourself working with people you feel are inadequate, take advantage of it and consider it a blessing in disguise. This is an opportunity to learn a great deal. Watch what they do that you don't like and then promise yourself to never do it.

3. Make the right decision.
One of the toughest things to do for some leaders is to make a decision. And yet making a decision can be rather easy when you simply ask yourself one question: "What is the right thing to do?" Doing the right thing is usually very clear in one's mind. However, it may not be the most popular decision. And it may not be the decision you want to hear. But doing the right thing will never truly get you into trouble.

4. Say what you are going to do and then do it!
If you tell someone that you will call him or her back, DO IT! If you tell one of your staff you will check into something for them, DO IT. There is nothing worse than someone who is not a person of his or her word. In today's work place, promises are often nothing more than contracts. Signed documents binding one to another. Dare to be different, live your leadership life as those great leaders from the past. Be a person of your word.

5. When making tough decisions – you deliver the word.
Throughout your career, you will frequently be called upon to make difficult decisions. Whether it is to downsize a department, terminate a poor performer, take business away from a long time vendor or relocate a plant, just make sure that when you make the tough decision, you deliver the message. Don't hide behind your staff, letting another executive communicate the bad news. By handling it personally, it forces you to think through exactly what you are doing. It is easier to make tough decisions and then simply let others carry out the plan. By handling it yourself, you completely understand the pain you may be causing.

6. Let them know where they stand.
One thing all employees share in common is the need to know the score between themselves and the boss. In a world that celebrates surprises, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., this is one place the surprise is not welcome. In order to be a leader who people want to follow, you need to consistently let others know what they do well and what areas need improvement. Too often, performance reviews catch an employee off guard. A truly successful appraisal process begins with the employee receiving the outcome they anticipated. And they anticipated it because throughout the year they were consistently advised of their strengths and their weaknesses.

7. Their opinion versus yours -- always ask what they think.
Whenever you are faced with making a decision that you need input on ask your staff for advice. By asking for their opinions on various matters you show that you value their ideas. Remember you don't have to do anything anyone suggests. You can listen to other people's thoughts but do not need to follow their advice. Any decision you make is always your responsibility. Therefore, whether it was your idea or someone else's, you are still responsible for the outcome.

8. Personalize it.
Remember the little things, like birthdays and anniversaries celebrating how long they have been with your company. You don't need to buy a gift, but a handwritten note congratulating them goes a long way. And, saying something special shows you took the extra time to remember them. Also, remember them during the holidays. Either give them all the same thing or personalize each gift. Listen throughout the year for things they like, collect or do for a hobby. Nothing works better than to show your staff you have a personal interest in them.

9. Express your philosophy.
Make sure your people understand who you are. They need to know what you believe in and what you think is important; what you like and don't like. When making decisions, take the time to explain what you took into consideration to reach the decision. The more they know how you think, the better they are at meeting your expectations.

10. Set expectations high.
Set high expectations for yourself and others. Require quality work. Don't give in if you know the work could be better. If you set high standards, your people will respect you more. By setting high standards with your own work, you say that you set high standards when hiring. This translates into a reputation that you only hire the best. This says a lot to the people who work for you. They develop a wonderful sense of self-pride working for someone who only expects the best. It means they must be great if you hired them.

Submitted by Trudy Evans, Professional Speaker, who can be reached at truevans@bellsouth.net
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