How Does A Leader KNOW What To Do?

Fairly, or unfairly, those in positions of leadership, are often held responsible, for whatever happens under their watch. Often, this means, they're given credit for something they had little to do with the success of, as well as blamed for things they didn't do (or couldn't have foreseen). Therefore, I thought it might be useful, if we tackled this somewhat, thorny issue, by examining the components that go into, how a leader makes a decision, and how he knows how to proceed. This includes the period leading up to any decision or action, including training, preparation, experience, etc, as well as how this acquired knowledge, judgment, expertise (hopefully), and wisdom (also, hopefully), can be used, synergistically, to be ready and prepared, and to feel confident, and capable of proceeding. How does a leader KNOW what to do?

1. Keep keen eye; knowledge; kaleidoscope: Leading is often quite challenging because it is confused by a kaleidoscope-effect! Few things are completely black-and-white, and therefore, to become a great leader, one must be able to make some sense out of the often-confusing signs and signals. Can you keep a keen eye on what is most important, and avoid getting distracted by the minutia, and/or lower priority matters? Is the knowledge you've acquired, gained, and remember, useful, or merely a bunch of strewn-together data, which you have not put together in a logical, methodical way?

2. Needs; nuances; noise; nose: Great leaders filter out the distractions and empty, less valuable noises, and focus on priorities, needs, and concerns, both from an immediate, as well as longer-term perspective. They've studied their organization's history, heritage, and mission, and realize the necessary nuances, which will best serve their specific group. Perhaps most importantly, they are ready, willing and able, to put their nose to the grindstone, and work, harder, more consistently, and effectively, than others.

3. Options; opportunities; open-mind; opts: It takes an open-mind, to become the best leader possible. No one knows it all, and therefore, one must be willing to consider and evaluate alternatives, without prejudgment, in a wise and competent way. Do you know the various options, and what the pros-and-cons, of each are? Will you be ready to take advantage of opportunities, which might present themselves, or to make your own opportunity? Finally, do you have the self-confidence, judgment, and true leadership skill, to opt for the best alternative, and to take action in a quality and timely manner?

4. Why; where; when; what; who: Why do you want to be a leader? Where will you take your organization? When will you act? What will be your strategic and action plan, and what will you personally do? Who will you develop, to help you make an even greater, positive impact?

It's not always crystal clear, at the beginning of a leader's deliberations and considerations. Using these attributes and concepts, however, a true leader will KNOW what must be done, and will do it!

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Does-A-Leader-KNOW-What-To-Do?&id=9452145

6 Powerful Leadership Lessons for A Successful Career

We tend to think of powerful leaders as figures of moral stature or financial acumen and believe those in authority should stand out from the crowd. In fact, we often put them on a pedestal, believing that few have the potential to match their genius.

But dynamic leaders are similar to the rest of us in many ways. They set goals and work toward them sometimes falling short. The main difference is that great leaders consistently meet and exceed their goals. They set higher goals, and meet those as well. Sometimes falling short, these men and women are not deterred from persevering in an ongoing quest to reach new heights in their climb to success. Many claim the following six strategies have helped to pave their way.

Clear Vision

Successful people have a clear idea of what they want to accomplish, whether it's inventing an amazing technological device or housing the homeless. Many write down their vision or brand it to share with the world. Soon countless others become aware of and impressed by their ability to fulfill their mission.

Commitment and Determination

Although a visionary's quest may grow out of a dream, it must be guided by realistic commitment and determination. Recognizing that no one will nurture their dream the way that they do, a strong leader will commit everything to make it happen rather than depending on others and then blaming them when it fails.

Resources and Mentors

A wise leader knows that wisdom can be fostered by collectivism. Working with a steering committee, a corporate board or a focus group, can mean the difference between success and failure. Planning for a project's needs and utilizing available resources are critical steps to a successful outcome. Many outstanding leaders attribute their success to the guiding force of a mentor or success coach.

Caring and Sharing

No matter how successful great leaders become, they show care and concern for employees and others associated with a particular enterprise. They listen to ideas from their colleagues, give credit where credit is due and unselfishly share the accolades with those who contribute to a project's success.

Surviving Failure

As an all-star basketball player once said, "It's the ninety-nine missed shots that lead to the single winning shot." Smart people learn as much from their mistakes as they do from their successes, while recognizing that failure serves to clarify the ultimate goal of an endeavor. When efforts lead to an undesirable result, they try a different approach instead of giving up.

Risk Taking

The most successful careers often involve some risk taking. An investment of time or money may not always lead to success but failure to take a risk means there absolutely is no chance of success. Astute leaders are able to balance potential risk with prospective gain and often triumph as a result.

Anyone can be a leader, but not everyone can lead effectively. The above qualities are used by many acclaimed successful people to achieve success and become role models for those they inspire.

http://ezinearticles.com/?6-Powerful-Leadership-Lessons-for-A-Successful-Career&id=9315101

10 Communication Secrets of Great Leaders

No one ever became a great leader without first becoming a great communicator.

Great leaders connect with people on an emotional level every time they speak. Their words inspire others to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Great communicators are intentional about it, and there are 10 secrets they rely on to deliver a powerful message. Put these secrets to work in your communication and watch your influence soar.

1. They Know Their Audience

Great communicators don’t worry about sounding important, showing off their expertise, or boosting their own egos. Instead, they think about what people need to hear, and how they can deliver this message so that people will be able to hear it. This doesn’t mean that leaders tell people what they want to hear. Quite the opposite—they tell people what’s important for them to know, even if it’s bad news.

2. They Are Experts In Body Language

Great communicators are constantly tracking people’s reactions to their message. They are quick to pick up on cues like facial expressions and body language because they know this is the only feedback many people will give them. Great communicators use this expertise to tailor their message on the fly and adjust their communication style as needed.

3. They Are Honest

The best leaders know that for communication to be effective it has to be real. They can’t have people parsing every word trying to separate fact from spin. When great communicators can’t share certain information, they come right out and say it because makeshift, half-truth answers breed distrust and anxiety. In good times and bad, honesty builds trust.

4. They Are Authentic

Great communicators don’t try to be someone they’re not just because they’ve stepped behind a podium. There’s a reason Mark Zuckerberg presented Facebook to investors in a hoodie and jeans. Great leaders know that when they stay true to who they are, people gravitate to their message. They also know the opposite happens when leaders put on an act.

5. They Speak With Authority

Great communicators don’t try to cover their backs by being ambiguous, wishy-washy, or unassertive. Instead, they stick their necks out and speak very directly about how things are and how they need to be.

6. They Speak To Groups As Individuals

Leaders rarely have the luxury of speaking to one person at a time. Whether it’s a huddle around a conference table or an overflowing auditorium, great leaders know how to work the room and make every single person feel as if he or she is being spoken to directly.

7. They Have Ears (And They Use Them)

Great leaders know that communication is a two-way street and what they hear is often more important than what they say. When someone else is speaking, great communicators aren’t thinking ahead and planning what they’ll say next. Instead, they’re actively listening, fully focused on understanding the other person’s perspective.

8. They Use Phrases Like 'It’s My Fault,' 'I Was Wrong,' and 'I’m Sorry'

When great leaders make a mistake, they admit it right away. They don’t wait for someone else to find and point out their blunder. They model accountability for their words and actions, even when they could have easily “gotten away” with the mistake. And they do it matter-of-factly, without drama or false humility.

9. They Solicit Feedback

The best communicators never assume that the message people heard is the exact same one they intended to deliver. They check in to verify that their message was understood correctly, and, if it was not, they don’t blame the audience. Instead, they change things up and try again.

10. They’re Proactive

Leaders with the best communication skills don’t waste time playing catch-up. They’re quick to head off the rumor mill by sharing bad news in a timely manner. They also give clear, concise goals and directions so people don’t waste their time heading in the wrong direction.

Bringing It All Together

Great communicators stand out from the crowd. They’re honest. They’re authentic. They listen. They excel in communication because they value it, and that’s the critical first step to becoming a great leader.

A version of this article first appeared at TalentSmart.com.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/248742

The 10 Commandments of Leadership

Becoming a great leader comes down to remembering and following these 10 simple rules.
       

A group of archeologists digging through ancient corporate archives recently uncovered two mysterious tablets (aka "wall plaques") engraved with the following laws:

1. Thou shalt remain optimistic.

Since thy employees look to thee for leadership, thou must not let thy worries and concerns cast a black cloud over everyone else, for that way lies certain failure.

2. Thou shalt set a clear direction.

If thou wouldst be a leader, thou must create a vision in the minds of your followers whence and whither thou art leading them. Fail at this, and thy organization will wander into the wilderness.

3. Thou shalt create a workable plan.

While no plan should be engraved in stone and plans should be amended when conditions change, if thou hast failed to plan, then verily thou hast also planned to fail.

4. Thou shalt secure sufficient resources.

While it is written truly that faith can move mountains, that faith must be accompanied by bulldozers, dump trucks, and paid employees who know how to use them.

5. Thou shalt listen more than talk.

Leadership doth not consist of giving lectures and then issuing orders. Leadership consists of understand what others desire and harnessing that desire to serve the common good.

6. Thou shalt not hold meetings without agendas.

Before each meeting send out a decree defining what will be discussed and for how long. Then adhere to thy own decree as if the productivity of the entire team depended on it. For verily it doth.

7. Thou shalt not criticize in public.

Though thy staff and colleagues consist of fools and rogues, public shaming creates resentment. Should a follower deserve a reprimand, provide it in the privacy of thy office.

8. Thou shalt not ask an employee to do something that thou wouldst not do thyself.

Truly great leaders, should they perceive a scrap of litter on the floor of a hallway, will bend down, pick it up and throw it into the trash.

9. Thou shalt not make of thyself a bottleneck.

If thou insist upon making every final decision, the progress of thy organization will grind to a halt. If thou canst not delegate, thou hast no business pretending to be a leader.

10. Thou shalt give thy team the credit.

True leaders accept the blame when things go awry and take no credit when things go right. Thy rightful reward will the love and commitment of those who continue to work for thee.

http://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/the-10-commandments-of-leadership.html