This is the third in a series of leadership tips articles. If you missed parts 1 and 2 check them out now.
Tip 1: Keep people in the organisation up to date with what is happening
Have a clear communication strategy to connect with the people you lead.
What strategies do you have for communicating with those that you lead and how effective are they?
Tip 2: Don’t create the illusion that you know everything and have all the answers
We all have different experiences. See that as a positive rather than a threat.
Tip 3 Help people to work out solutions to their problems rather than just telling what to do
Questions are a great way of doing this. Ask good open questions.
Tip 4: Build good relationships
Focus on building good relationships with all of your stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, regulators, employees, trade unions, shareholders and the media.
How could you develop relationships with stakeholders?
Tip 5: Be decisive and don’t procrastinate
Look at the decision, evaluate the pros and cons and take action.
Tip 6: Keep the focus on results
In times of challenge and disagreement, use results as the default position or the thing that brings people together.
Tip 7: Encourage constructive conflict in teams
Conflict in teams is essential but as the leader you need to ensure that it is used as a catalyst to make things happen.
Tip 8: Treat everyone fairly
Be alert to showing bias or treating some people better than others.
Tip 9: Be consistent in your actions
Inconsistency creates doubt and when people are in doubt they tend to be overly cautious.
Tip 10: Don’t set up people to fail
Make sure that they have the skills, knowledge and expertise to deliver what you are asking them to deliver.
So that’s a further 10 tips for you. I encourage you to take action on at least one of them.
Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps professionals to become effective leaders.