I recently read an article that focussed on the idea that when you look
for a new job it should be just as important to find a job that has a good
leader / manager as it is finding a job that you will love doing. One without
the other could be just as bad as the other way around and I have to say that I couldn't agree more.
I took some time to think about various leaders and managers I have worked
with throughout my career and to be bluntly honest the amount of good quality ones I can recall is unfortunately very limited. Some excelled in specific areas but lacked in
others and some were questionable and I seriously wondered how they got
to the position they held. Take my word for it its certainly not easy to find a
well-rounded leader and manager that will mentor you through to the next level
in your career.
After reading the article I decided to jot down, based on my own
personal experiences, the qualities I think a successful leader needs to have in order to get my stamp of approval.
This list is written for a both a leader / manager looking to assess
their own maturity or for job seekers looking to understand which qualities
they should be looking for in their manager
[In no specific order]
1. Be a Good Listener
As a leader/manager you must listen. Listen intently when your staff
speak to you and also listen when they don't speak to you. Pay attention to
what you hear and think about what is being said and then act accordingly.
2. Be Self-Aware
Know your own personality, your strengths and your weaknesses. Know how
you can improve and act on it. If you are aware of your strengths and
weaknesses you can progressively improve.
3. Pay Attention to Detail
As a leader/manager you need to plan your tasks and work efficiently.
Your planning will impact your entire team. Always pay attention to the detail
and read in-between the lines. Understand the deeper meaning and not just the
face value.
4. Be Considerate
There is seldom any worse leader / manager than a narcissistic one.
Think about yourself only when necessary and spend more time thinking about
your staff. Understand your individual staffs strengths and weaknesses. Mentor people whenever possible and help them grow their
skills and confidence. Leadership is more about giving than taking.
5. Communicate Effectively
Communication is key to being a good leader/manager. If your people are
not aware of what’s happening around them or are left out of the loop, mistrust
and frustration will grow. Lack of communication limits effectiveness and
morale. Lead by example.
6. Display Self-Control
Stop and take time to reflect and think about any situation before you
respond. Action or words in the heat of the moment can be damaging. Learning to
master self-control can be very difficult (but not impossible) for some
personality types and may require you to focus on self-awareness.
7. Include Others
People like to feel that they are a part of something and like to be appreciated for
their impact and influence on outcomes. Where possible, keep people in the loop and communicate with them and take their views into consideration. Show people your
appreciation and reward them when earned. Remember exclusion breeds hostility.
8. Lead by Example
Never think that you are better than others around you just because you
are their leader/manager. At times you must be prepared to do what you require
of your staff. Your staff will respect you more for it. Be humble but
confident.
9. Maintain Integrity
Follow the rules and lead by example. Do not betray peoples trust.
Do as you say. If you cannot uphold your integrity, your team and superiors
will not trust you - things will turn sour in the end.
10. Be Supportive
You must support your staff at all times when appropriate. They
will depend on you to do this – back them up when they need it. If you feel a
member of your team is misguided, then talk to them about it and come to an
agreement. Make sure all your reasons are fully understood and you have
addressed all their concerns. Your people will support you if you support them
but be honest with them when needed.
11. Drive Improvements
Always be on the lookout for improvements. When you identify them,
discuss them and then create an action plan. Don't be seen to be doing nothing,
people expect you to be acting if you are a leader/manager. If you are
bored, then move on and let someone more enthusiastic do the job.
12. Display Leadership Qualities
If you lack personality and charisma then realise it and work on
it. People like a leader with personality, charisma and charm. If you lack it
then teach yourself how to improve. Even a bit of improvement will make a
difference.
13. Challenge Things
Don't be afraid to challenge things you don't agree with whether it is the
people you are leading or your superiors. If you challenge is based on a hunch
or feeling then explain that otherwise make sure any challenges can be 100%
backup up with facts and figures. Realise when to back down or drop your
challenge. Always voice your concerns.
14. Be Confident
In order to be an effective leader/manager you must be confident! If you
lack confidence then educate yourself on how to become more confident. Everyone
can learn how to grown in confidence. Wouldn't it be great if your leaders
helped you grow in confidence? Great leaders are confident leaders.
15. Don’t Be Too Serious
It is important to have laughter in any environment. Don’t be too
serious. Laughter brings happiness and good times.
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In conclusion, I would be interested to learn about what other qualities
you can add that successful leaders and managers should have.
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