Anyone who has had the opportunity and challenge of leading others knows how difficult this task can be. It is one thing to lead people but it is quite another to lead people effectively. Over the years, many books and training courses have been writing on the subject of leadership. Libraries and bookstores are filled with what at the time, was the latest and greatest book on how to be a successful leader. Leadership is not a one-time event nor are there crib notes to study, to pass the test. It is an ever evolving skill that can’t be mastered in a short amount of time. You probably don’t have to think very long about who the greatest leader or manager you have ever worked for is. In contrast, we most likely have all had the experience of being lead by a poor leader. The common denominator is the fact that in both cases, a mark was left on us. A great leader can motivate and push their employees to heights they never thought they could achieve while poor leaders can damage not only their employees but the company overall. The cost of recruiting, hiring and training a new employee is quite high and this does not include the impact that departing employees may have on both the moral and productivity of the company. There is an old adage, “People don’t leave companies…they leave managers.” Although, it might be assumed that salary or lack of promotion opportunities would be top reasons why employees quit their jobs. This however does not seem to be the case. A Gallup poll of more than 1 million US workers concluded that the Number 1 reason people quit their jobs is a bad boss or immediate supervisor.
To lead people effectively, you must first look at what traits or attributes make up a good leader. Sometimes wealth is not found in new ideas but in gold that has been previously mined. In his 1937 legendary book “Think and Grow Rich” Napoleon Hill gives us the following attributes:
The Major Attributes of Leadership
1. UNWAVERING COURAGE- the ability to exude both courage and self-confidence.
2. SELF CONTROL- the ability to know when to listen, speak and act.
3. A KEEN SENSE OF JUSTICE- fairness is critical to maintain the respect of his followers.
4. DEFINITENESS OF DECISION- wavering shows that he is not sure of himself.
5. DEFINITENESS OF PLANS- you must plan the work and then work the plan.
6. THE HABIT OF DOING MORE THAN PAID FOR- willingness of the leader to do more than he requires of his followers.
7. A PLEASING PERSONALITY- a careless person cannot become a successful leader.
8. SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING- understanding both the employees and their problems.
9. MASTERY OF DETAIL- a strong attention to detail.
10. WILLINGESS TO ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY- not shifting blame but realizing that he as the leader is the one who failed.
11. COOPERATION- leadership calls for power and power calls for cooperation.
Now the question you must ask yourself is, do I as a leader possess these attributes and if not, what can I start doing today to become a more effective leader?
To lead people effectively, you must first look at what traits or attributes make up a good leader. Sometimes wealth is not found in new ideas but in gold that has been previously mined. In his 1937 legendary book “Think and Grow Rich” Napoleon Hill gives us the following attributes:
The Major Attributes of Leadership
1. UNWAVERING COURAGE- the ability to exude both courage and self-confidence.
2. SELF CONTROL- the ability to know when to listen, speak and act.
3. A KEEN SENSE OF JUSTICE- fairness is critical to maintain the respect of his followers.
4. DEFINITENESS OF DECISION- wavering shows that he is not sure of himself.
5. DEFINITENESS OF PLANS- you must plan the work and then work the plan.
6. THE HABIT OF DOING MORE THAN PAID FOR- willingness of the leader to do more than he requires of his followers.
7. A PLEASING PERSONALITY- a careless person cannot become a successful leader.
8. SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING- understanding both the employees and their problems.
9. MASTERY OF DETAIL- a strong attention to detail.
10. WILLINGESS TO ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY- not shifting blame but realizing that he as the leader is the one who failed.
11. COOPERATION- leadership calls for power and power calls for cooperation.
Now the question you must ask yourself is, do I as a leader possess these attributes and if not, what can I start doing today to become a more effective leader?
RSS Feed