Simple Leadership Reminders

Are you a leader? Do you consistently do the things below to ensure your effectiveness as a leader? The following are a few simple leadership reminders that will help us become better leaders.

Connect and Recognize

Effective leaders must connect with others through recognition and appreciation. Frequently expressing genuine appreciation motivates others and helps establish trust. When successful, good leaders “look out the window” and recognize others for the results rather than taking credit. Good leaders also connect with others by having a firm and sincere belief in the potential of each individual. Rather than criticize and degrade, leaders must inspire, coach, and uplift.

What You Give, You Get

People are committed to a cause to the degree a leader is committed to it. If a leader cares, others will care. Good leaders do not expect others to do things they are not willing to do themselves. For this reason, leaders must set the example they want others to follow. Likewise, the effort a leader puts forth is often matched by others. Thus, the way a leader behaves, thinks, and acts, is mirrored by others. For this reason, what a leader gives, they get.

Communicate

A key to leadership is communication. This does not necessarily mean leaders have to be great orators or speech writers. Instead, it simply means leaders understand how and when to communicate, which is effectively and frequently. Leaders must also be mindful of how they communicate, and they must strive to consistently take the right approach when delivering messages. Leaders who are able to decipher the correct way to communicate and how often to communicate in any given situation will be successful.

Make Decisions

Good leaders are able to make tough decisions. This does not mean a leader always makes the right decision, but it does mean they have the courage to make a decision and stand by it. Ineffective leaders hesitate or wait for a clear picture that never comes while good leaders take intelligent risks based on imperfect information. Simply stated, good leaders act.

Include Others

Effective leadership includes seeking help and input from others. Leaders should be humble enough to search for better ways, different opinions, and new ideas. Leaders who understand that people are much more motivated to support a world they help create will become much more successful. Leaders should have the habit of bringing people together and including them in the problem solving process.

Be Better

Finally, a leader should never stops learning, never stop growing, and never stop trying to be better. Leaders who are not improving and learning each day will never remain effective.

These simple leadership reminders will help in our efforts to reach our potential and become better leaders. Take time now to evaluate yourself in each of the areas above, and then determine how and where you can improve. By doing this, you will greatly enhance your ability to be an effective leader. Good Luck!