The Art of Leading
Leading people is an art and takes a collection of tools which can become habits through daily practice. The following suggestions are some of my favorites:
1. Spend time each day in self-reflection. The depth of your character is key to determining your success as a leader. The only way to really know how others see you is to self-reflect each day, make note of places you see that you may have cut corners or lacked integrity in your actions, and seek the opinion of others that you trust to give you honest feedback.
2. Never be late for an appointment. Being late for an appointment is disrespectful and says that you don’t value them or their time. Earn their respect by showing that you value them.
3. Be dedicated to a high level of learning. Great leaders are dedicated to a high level of learning, growth, and improvement. It’s not enough to tell people what to do. You need to create an environment that facilitates the growth and learning of those you lead.
4. Be simple and crystal clear in all communication. Communication should be simple, clean, and clear. Whether verbal of written, the goal of any communication is to meet the receiver of the communication where they are and take them on a journey to where you want them to be. Since a communication can only be judged by the receiver make it be about them and not you. Avoid using the word I as much as possible. Keep it simple, using as few words as you can while avoiding words and phrases that are meant to impress.
5. Develop a sense of commitment and responsibility. You must be committed and responsible to those you hire. While they may work for you, you are responsible for them. Honor that responsibility.
6. Accept responsibility. Leaders never play the role of a victim. They recognize that part of being a leader is being ultimately responsible for all failures while giving away all credit for successes.
7. Develop courage by facing fear. By a show of courage, you will inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Do something every day for the sake of developing courage: speak to an audience, make a difficult phone call, learn a new skill, write an article, or reach out to someone you have always wanted to meet. You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. When an opportunity to grow and challenge yourself comes along, always take it. Saying that I am too busy is not a reason but rather an excuse.
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