 Finish Line Leadership
- Qualities of
Successful Leadership
By Drew Stevens, CPSP What and who
is a leader? Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘leader’ as, “a person who
by force of example, talents or qualities of leadership plays a directing role, wields
commanding influence, or has a following in any sphere of activity or thought.” It
defines ‘leadership’ as “that ingredient of personality that causes men
(and/or women) to follow.”
Enthusiasm, dedication and charisma are some of the more important
characteristics of a leader. Leaders are seen as good and evil and take on many
personalities and roles, from managers or coaches to world leaders. It is believed that
every leader posses a charisma that provides change and success. Thus leadership begins
with vision, concern and mentorship.
Contrasting the belief of vision and concern are ten important themes
that help leadership. It is my belief that by not adhering to the ten traits, leaders not
only fail but bring chaos to an organization. To assist in creating a balanced
organization and good stewardship, follow the thoughts based on LEADERSHIP.
L = Listening - Good listening is required in order to understand
employee attitudes and motivators. Get to know your employees by asking a lot of
open-ended questions, and listen to the response. When you listen, you begin to better
understand employee motivations, body language and issues. Get them to speak of issues
that confront them and enable them to find solutions. Offer challenges to corporate issues
with solutions. And provide credit to the employee with a solid reply.
E = Enthusiasm - Employees want to be motivated. This begins with
positive energy and positive commitment. Your personal issues are unimportant to your
employees. They are concerned about number one - them. In good times and bad you must
always express a positive and energetic attitude. Finish line energy gets finish line
results.
A = Awareness - Be aware of issues that are non-verbal. Leaders must
have keen sense that denotes when employees are happy, frustrated, tired or overwhelmed.
You must sense the issue and eliminate it quickly so that you keep organizational harmony.
D = Decisive - Employees loathe procrastinators. They want quick,
decisive and meaningful replies. Leaders do not ponder; they make quick decisions to
difficult problems and find immediate solutions.
E = Equal - The cliché “equal pay, for equal treatment” is
so true. Leaders do not treat employees based on title, age, race, religion etc. Leaders
understand that “everyone” and “any position” in the organization is
equal. Leaders go by the principle that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole.
R = Reward - Adults desire more than just money with work. They desire
recognition, and kudos for a job well done. However, in today’s marketplace,
employees are looking for more contentment from their current job. This sense of pride and
self-worth is a large issue for most people.
If people feel that they make a difference, they will care about
organizational objectives, if not, apathy emerges. The job affects the person and the
person affects the job. So what can be accomplished to gain a better sense of company
pride and loyalty? Establish a reward system and watch the attitudes soar!
S = Shallow Mission/Vision - Leaders understand the reasons for having
corporate and divisional mission and vision statements. These statements of purpose enable
employees to understand:1) Who the firm is, 2) Where they are going? and 3) How they will
get there. True leaders establish missions as a roadmap to future success.
H = Hypocrite - Leaders make decisions, stick with them, and understand
that reversing decisions makes them a hypocrite. Further, leaders take action when they
offer action. For example, if a leader decides employees need training, he or she too
takes the training. Leading by example creates a happier employee core and loyalty;
contradicting the efforts creates dispassion, disbelief and attrition.
I = Isolate - Leaders believe in teamwork and team play. Every employee
counts toward the bottom line. Leaders do not isolate themselves from the team and do no
isolate the team from each other. As the saying goes “There is no ‘I’ in
team.”
P = Positive Communication - In good times and in bad, leaders create
positive communication and feedback to employees. Positive and meaningful communication
creates loyalty and mutual exchange of ideas and attitudes. When ideas are fresh and
positive, profits and productivity soar!
The Finish Line - The leader of tomorrow is changing from the top down
style of management to a collegial approach where all become counterparts. Working
together creates the compassion for work and productivity that both sides seek. Leaders
who have created this style of management have names on the front door such as UPS, Home
Depot, and Wal-Mart. These leaders are change agents and strive to become not only
recognized brand names but also recognized leaders. Incorporate the ten leadership traits
into your organization and daily efforts and watch productivity grow.
Drew Stevens speaks and consults internationally He has
been delivering results on sales, productivity and profitability since starting his
business. He is very active with the US National Speakers Association & American
Society of Training & Development. To receive Drew’s “Finish Line Sales
Tips” please call 877-391-6821 or 636-938-4486 or email: drew@gettingtothefinishline.com |
