Send to KindleWhether you’re new to a leadership role, or are moving to a new position, there are a few things that help make it easier. These 10 tips are time tested and proven, yet often ignored or forgotten.
1. Always have a plan – Know what you’re supposed to be doing.
This might sound silly, but many leaders take on the mantle of leadership without really knowing what they’re supposed to do or where they’re supposed to lead. Good leaders know where they want to go and where they want to take the organization. They have good personal and organizational strategic plans.
2. Know your values and stick to them.
Hopefully, your organization’s strategic plan includes a list of values that underpin mission accomplishment. Make sure you’re abiding by them. More importantly, know and live by your personal values. If they conflict with the organization’s values, resolve that conflict.
3. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate.
The three C’s of leadership! For some reason, people in leadership positions seem to think that if they know, all is well. Why can’t your subordinates know the what and why of things? Yes, there are issues that must stay confidential, but does everything warrant that type of security? Probably not. It’s vital to understand what the boss expects. Let your people know where you want the organization to go and how they are part of getting it there. People will generally do what they’re instructed without knowing much about why. But, when they know why, and understand their part, they will do it better and with more enthusiasm.
4. Know yourself — Be yourself.
You must know where you have skills and talent and where you don’t. Subordinates will not be fooled by a false front. They may think you’re a fool though.
5. Be loyal.
New leaders are often told that it is important to be loyal to the boss, to respect the chain of command. Yet those who issue that guidance often forget loyalty in the other direction. Your subordinates deserve your undying commitment to them and that’s the best way to obtain their loyalty to you.
6. Lead a balanced life and take care of yourself.
This seems like the most cited yet most violated rule of leadership. Everyone knows we should take care of ourselves, but there seems to be a badge of honor associated with working more hours than anyone else, sleeping less, and not eating right. If you’ve achieved a leadership position, you probably have a strong sense of commitment. It’s easy to let it overwhelm you and spend every waking moment working, or thinking about work. The end result will most likely be burnout. One day you’ll realize your family is gone, your boss doesn’t think you can handle any increased responsibility, and you have health problems that a person your age shouldn’t have. At that point, you can look back on your life and realize…you blew it!
7. Be humble.
You have been given more responsibility because someone thinks you can handle it. That doesn’t mean you’re any smarter or better than your subordinates. Start acting like you are and they will turn you off and maybe turn against you.
8. Listen to your subordinates.
They are the experts and you need to hear what they say. You are responsible for final decisions, but decisions are easier to make if you have good information to start with. As soon as subordinates get the idea you aren’t listening to them, they will stop talking. Then you’re in trouble!
9. Don’t let your emotions govern your actions.
Make sure you step back from an issue and look at it as if you aren’t a key player. When leaders allow their emotions to take over, the result is usually bad. Emotions tend to block common sense and prevent a fair analysis of the situation.
10. Realize you’re going to make mistakes.
That’s right. You aren’t perfect. Accept that and life will be easier. When you make mistakes, admit them, learn from them, then move on. Constant self-abuse for something that happened weeks ago doesn’t help and will sour the atmosphere.
This is excerpted from Preparing to Lead, my course for new leaders. It’s a training course designed to help leaders understand the basic principles of good leadership. The course includes a survey to help them understand themselves better and 7 modules that provide valuable information to get them started right. Learn more.
