LEADERSHIP
Leadership is both a noun and a verb. Often the term Leadership is used to describe the folks at the top of the organization. However, the term Leadership actually describes a kind of person that can lead others to a specific goal or result. What does it take to win the head, hearts and hands of others?
CONFIDENCE
COMPASSION
COMMITMENT
Are you a born leader? Leaders can be born but most need to be developed.
Take the mini Leadership Audit below and see how you compare to demonstrated leaders.
LEADERSHIP AUDIT
Below are a few questions to ask yourself to see if you are the kind of leader that can attract, retain, and motivate your staff to get results.
- Do you communicate with your staff both formally and informally on a regular basis?
- Does everyone in your organization know what you stand for and what you expect?
- Do you foster and encourage:
- Open communication across levels?
- Teams and networks that promote the talents and energy of all?
- Giving credit where credit is due?
- Creativity and Risk taking?
- Different opinions seeing them as a valuable resource for creativity, learning and innovation?
- Do you know how the world outside impacts your business (are you environmentally aware)?
- Do you keep focused on what you do well and capitalize on that?
- Are you humble?
- Do you work at understanding your own strengths and areas of development?
- Do you and the others on your staff train to leadership competencies?
- Do you have a succession plan for your role?
- Do you solicit feedback from your employees on your style?
- Can you motivate others to take action to meet a common goal?
- Are you a catalyst for change?
Should you choose to enhance your current skills there are tools and resources available to you. There are books, websites, leadership development programs and personal coaches. Below are just a few.
BOOKS:
Good to Great by Jim Collins
The one Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard Ph.D. and Spencer Johnson M.D.
Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton and Sheila Heen
Turning to one another and Leadership and The New Science by Margaret J. Wheatley
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey
Bringing out the Best in People by Aubrey C. Daniels
Fish by Stephen C. Lundin. PhD, Harry Paul and John Christensen
The Extraordinary Leader by John Zenger and Joseph Folkman
What Leaders Really Do J. Kotter, HBR May-June 1990
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Attend Leadership Development programs that will enhance your ability to be a leader. Some favorites are:
www.dialogos.com
www.cantle.net
www.2d4b.com
GET A COACH
Schedule on-going coaching sessions with your HR Manger or one of the W.I.S.E.– HR.