Top Ten Leadership Skills Necessary for a Successful Organization
Workers are an organization's greatest assets. It doesn't matter if it's someone who pitches in and takes responsibility for a small task or large project. People, who go beyond their duties to make sure the customer is well served or the project is completed on time and correctly, are invaluable. Your team is what makes a business flourish. Capable leadership can create infectious attitudes about service among your team members, if they pay close attention to the top ten leadership skills necessary for a successful organization.
Leadership Understands People
Effective leadership is not about control. When my children were little, my daughter, who is three years older than her brother, would talk him into "playing house." She played with the dolls, the dishes, the kitchen set and the dress-up clothes, while he stood in the hallway because he was the "daddy" who went to work. He tired of the game and went off to do something else. She would try her best to get him to "do it right." It never worked. It was a lesson in manipulation, not leadership. Leadership means understanding the skills and driving force of individuals and bringing out the best in them.
Leadership Gets Out Of The Way Of Ambitious Achievers
A leader recognizes self-directed doers and gets out of their way so that they can complete their objectives. The self-directed doers don't need anyone to define their tasks or tell them what steps to take next. They know what they want to accomplish. An effective leader simply supports them and cheers them on with occasional briefings.
As president of a regional professional organization, we began the year with a strategic planning meeting. One board member was interested in publishing a book for the organization based on the best business practices of our members. The idea was approved and she ran with it. She worked with another member and they compiled, edited and had the book published. Not only that, a number of books were pre-sold, offsetting printing expenses. When we recognize self-directed qualities in our team members and give them the environment to excel, they will.
Leadership Encourages Questioning Minds
Other members of your team intend to get it right. They want to know the parameters. Once the expectations were detailed, the project was handled very well. When this kind of team member is clear on directions, they move ahead brilliantly. They need leadership that will give them procedures and time lines. Once they understand what is expected, they commit to achieving great results. They take pride in their work and can be counted on for excellence.
Leadership Values Visionaries
Idea people are the clever thinkers whose minds are always assessing what would happen if . . . They look for improvements and seek solutions. Their intention is recognition and appreciation. They are like the designated hitters on our team. They are visionaries, not implementers. However, they provide a great service to our organization. The leader who recognizes these traits will pair them with others who are skilled at execution. Recognition must be given to both the one who made it happen as well as the one who had the idea.
Leadership Appreciates The Sympathetic Supporter
We have to work to recognize the stalwart supporters. They do their best even if it causes them discomfort. They are loyal, supportive, hard working and easy to get along with and often are taken for granted. The attentive leader recognizes them for their efforts. These individuals more than others, appreciate praise and acknowledgement when it is sincerely given for work well done. Flexible leadership allows for different interaction with different personalities. This type of excellence in leadership is rare.
Leadership Drives Purpose And Objectives
Wise leadership must follow a plan that encompasses clear purpose and specific objectives. It defines dimensions on the canvas we paint and shapes the vision we see there. If we incorporate the team's ideas and outcomes into our vision, we;
- eliminate potential barriers we couldn't see
- expand the original vision with the insights of others
- get enthusiastic buy-in from the team
- create a better vision and end result
Leadership Depends on Clear Communication
Impressive leaders keep the workforce constantly informed. A strategic planning meeting is one vehicle to do that. It becomes the rudder that keeps us on course. The vision is clarified, and projects are initiated. As we go along, we adjust objectives and see that everyone is on target with their plans. Regular update memos, e-mails and face-to-face meetings keep everyone informed.
Leadership Respects Patience
Perceptive leadership gives new initiatives a chance to develop with continuity into the future. New innovations take time to root. If continuity is not strong, energy dissipates, loyalty drains away and people tire of new directions. In some situations patience allows an inborn solution to emerge with time. To rush it would kill the natural evolution and delay getting on with business. It almost requires a sixth sense about timing.
A manager, well known for shifting gears habitually, changed personnel and objectives frequently. The new orders were never given time to produce the desired results. Instead another direction was implemented, and another and so on. The workforce ended up feeling guilty being away from their desks to participate in valuable professional development programs. The environment at the firm was dysfunctional and stressful.
Leadership Directs Change
However, in other cases, the informed leader must make decisions quickly and uproot the weeds before they overtake the garden. Workers, who revert back to sandbox behaviors and can't get along, or pressure to implement a new focus without adequate training, are examples of potential disasters. Decisive leadership becomes critical. Whether to wait or act at once depends on how the leader interprets the situation. It's a choice where intuitive leaders have the edge.
Leadership Seeks Mentors
Competence at work does not override a leader's need for trusted counsel. Other professionals can provide that kind of networking and guidance, so we can learn from sharing outcomes and experiences. Building relationships with superiors and colleagues also builds bridges for future use if needed. Sponsor's provide a professional opinion and an opportunity to re-examination our decisions. Mentors help grow great leaders.
Businesses are best served when leaders understand the gifts of their team, place them in winning situations and paint the vision that allows others to own it.
*This article was published in
- NHFA’s Home Furnishings Retailer, August 2003
- Marketing Research Association, Inc. trade publication, April 2000.
