Leadership is a complex and challenging human behavior.  Influencing people to achieve great outcomes requires relationship skills, diligence, emotional intelligence, and perseverance. This article will lead you through the key responsibilities of a leader and show how we all have the power of leadership within us.

Set a strong example 

People want reliable leaders, and they look to leaders for guidance.Guidance comes from both your words and deeds–how you act and how you treat others around you.

You must be a role model of:

• A strong work ethic
• Effective communication
• Sticking to Moral and ethical standards
• Personal Productivity

Understand the big picture

A leader has to have a vision for the future. You need to understand your employees and how to best offer them growth opportunities that also benefit the company. Leaders take the day-to-day minutiae and apply it to creating a bright future.

Strive to improve

Leaders look for ways to get better personally and corporately. Leaders are active learners; they capture ‘lessons learned’ and share them throughout the organization.  They expand their knowledge base and enhance their functional, management, and leadership skills.

Make tough decisions

One of the most difficult responsibilities of a leader is to make tough decisions. Hiring, firing, and management of finances. These are just a few examples of the tough decisions you will be forced to make as a leader.

Nobody wants to make others angry, but making tough decisions will involve that too. Remember it’s impossible to keep everyone happy at all times and sometimes the best decision will anger others around you.

Question the norm

Leaders don’t get stuck in stale and unproductive processes; rather, they challenge old ways of doing things. You are there to innovate. Leaders thrive on trying new ideas and finding the ones that work best. Perhaps your company has done something the same way since its conception. However, if it is not working, then that doesn’t mean they should continue down the same path. Leaders challenge the norm.

Celebrate diversity

A strong leader knows that meaningful diversity contributes to a company’s success. Organizations need people from differing backgrounds and, as important, diversity in creative thinking and problem-solving.  Team members must share the same values of integrity, respect, and service; however, the team is well-served by diverse opinions and perspective that have a shared purpose.  You want a mix of big thinkers and practical rationalists. It’s the leader’s job to take diversity and forge a cohesive unit that works together.

Understand all positions

Leaders must understand how all jobs in his or her organization contribute to mission fulfillment.  You serve your people well when you know each job’s significance and how to synchronize them well.  As a leader, you are not going to be an expert in each position; however, you will learn to master the integration of jobs.

Responsible leader respect others

 

“If you want respect, you must give respect.” This mantra guides influential leaders. From entry-level employees to the CEO, you need to treat everyone with respect and dignity. Respect entices good employees to stay with your company. Remember, you were once an entry-level employee, too.

Maintain transparency

Effective leaders are not secretive; they seek to be as transparent as possible. Secrecy about business plans, the health of the organization, future challenges, and performance standards breeds a culture of fear in the workplace. Transparency, while respecting confidentiality about personal issues, quells anxiety and limits surprises.

Inspire those around you

Possibly one of the most important aspects of being a leader is to inspire those around you.On any given day, there will be an employee who isn’t having their best day. When people are struggling, it is your job to help and inspire them. Instead of letting employees slip through the cracks, find ways to encourage them.       

Leadership is not easy. It takes courage, strength, and plenty of flexibility. However, great leaders are the foundation of great businesses. Use the tips in this article to practice features of excellent leadership. Feel free to talk to a trusted business consultant for more information.