| Leaders, new and old, sometimes lose sight
of the most fundamental tenets of leadership. Here's a reminder…
I frequently tell executives that leadership and its
concepts, theories and core applications haven't changed in a millennium.
Some of our demographics may have changed. This forces us
to use alternative applications of those concepts. But the basic leadership concepts and
theories remain.
So, why don't we "just do it?"
Sometimes we aren't motivated. Sometimes the
"time" just doesn't seem right. Maybe we simply forgot some of the basics…
hence this article.
When I train companies and corporations worldwide on how to
improve management and organization performance, I start off with these 5 laws new and
experienced leaders should never ever forget.
Kevin's Leadership Skills Training Survival Kit for New
& Experienced Managers
Leadership Law #1: Never delay a decision that must be
made.
Make your decision and move on. You may have to immediately
make another decision. This doesn't mean your first one was wrong. It merely means that
your second one had the benefit of additional knowledge.
Leadership Law #2: When you want something specific done,
say so specifically, using clear, plain language.
Employees generally have some difficulty doing their basic
jobs. By adding "mind-reading" to their description is just plain unfair.
Do not use hints, implications, or innuendoes. Say what you
want, and use plain English! Directness counts.
Leadership Law #3: Never answer every employee's every
question.
Questions are teaching moments -- don't rob employees of
the opportunity. But don't spend your whole time answering questions.
When you always answer every employee's every question,
you'll forever be answering your employee's every question. This will leave you with no
time to spend on areas that need your direct attention now.
Sounds trite, and I don't mean it to.
If employees are asking because they're stupid, get rid of
them. If they are decent employees asking because they do not know, then teach them.
They'll know next time, and you'll both be better for it.
Leadership Law #4: Make your expectations clear, then back
up a bit and give employees room to do their job.
That doesn't mean to never look back. To inspect what you
expect isn't micro-management. It's good management.
Even your top performers need clear expectations. Give them
a target. Provide resources and guidance. Remove obstacles when necessary. Then let them
do their job. But, don't forget to check back later, since you still have management
responsibilities.
Leadership Law #5: Employees need their managers to be
leaders
Your employees don't need a shoulder. They don't need a
buddy, a sympatico, or a commiserator. If you want a friend, buy a dog.
We all struggle with this. Everyone wants to be liked, and
it always seems difficult to decline a beer after work, or something similar. I'm not
advocating a monk-like existence, disallowing any contact with your troops. I'm just
merely reminding you that they would like to have a friend, but they need a leader if they
are to be successful.
You do want them to be successful, don't you?
Closing Leadership Thoughts
These leadership laws are fairly intuitive, and certainly
not rocket science or brain surgery. They are simple management and leadership truths that
have passed the test of time.
Print these out. Laminate it. Put in your top desk drawer
and don't forget them. |
