Let’s begin with a cliché in the business world. The cliché is this, “Success begins and ends with leadership.” What do you think? Is this a true statement or even a fair statement to make?
I once had a leader actually take this out of a presentation he was to give on behalf of a change effort. Was he hedging against failure if our culture change program failed? One may never really know and I would suspect it was a “Yes.”
So, in my opinion, success of a person, business, club, government, or organization does begin and end with rock solid awesome leadership. If that ingredient is missing you can bet there are big holes in the program and eventually it will sink. It is only a matter of time.
To be that awesome leader that sustains whatever or whomever you are leading you must apply the “Be’s” or leadership. There are 10 that seem to matter most in the success of a leader.
- Be connected to a vision.
- Be able to make a decision
- Be a communicator.
- Be a trusted advisor.
- Be knowledgeable.
- Be organized.
- Be a team builder.
- Be proactive and positive.
- Be respectful and respected.
- Be giving in reward.
Be connected to a vision: There are two parts to this vision piece. First, a real leader should have a personal life vision that holds certain ethics and value sacred. Those are his or her guiding light as a strong person and leader.
A leader should also set a vision for their cause or organization. This vision should be simple, powerful, and communicated regularly so that everyone understand and believes in the vision.
If a leader is not in alignment between his or her personal vision and value and that of the cause or organization you may find your leadership abilities out of balance. Balance is important and helps connect the other nine “Be’s” or leadership.
Be able to make a decision: Those that follow are looking for a strong person to lead and be decisive when appropriate. This means following a decision making model that works.
The model I choose as a leader follows these four steps. First, seek out a unanimous decision. If that option fails, you must seek a consensus decision. Should consensus not work, it is time to multi-vote. And, in a final effort, the leader must make a choice.
Be a communicator: Visions, missions, strategies, and tactics should not be a mystery to your cause or organization. Make it your personal mission to get out and sell your ideas and ideals.
Communication may be of the cheerleading style and it may be in the honesty style. Tell it like you see it. Be truthful and upfront. Through communication you share and ask those following to help you fix or carry the goals.
Be a trusted advisor: Trust is the one thing that matters over all else in any organization, club, government body, or home. Without trust you have nothing. Every word you utter will be second-guessed, and possibly ignored. To be successful as a leader you need those who follow to trust you. So is more than just a word. Trust goes right to that cliché, “Success begins and ends with leadership.”
Always keep your word, and honor your commitments. Action speak loud and will help you as a rock solid awesome leader win the hearts and minds of those you are asking to follow you.
Be knowledgeable: Knowledge is an interesting thing. The Internet has given us any resource or answer to a question at the tip of our finger. So when I say be knowledgeable, I mean know how and where to find the answers you need. Never underestimate the mental capacity of your team. They are brilliant beyond measure. Tap into that knowledge base. Try using questions to get what you need as a leader.
Be organized: Time is of the essence in business these days. If you are spending time searching through file folders in a drawer or on your computer you are wasting time. This wasted time may affect your ability to compete.
Benjamin Franklin said, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” He was a master well before his time. Do you have a place for everything and is everything in its place? Can you access what you need rapidly?
I recommend you look into lean practices or 5s disciplines to help with your organization.
Be a team builder: Gone are the days of powering your way through things. Today’s world requires a team effort to be efficient, effective, and competitive. Teams can help you raise engagement and productivity. Teams are you frontline defense against a competitor beating you.
Teaming is my specialty and I can help you put a structure in place that builds up the strength of diversity and taps into the tribal knowledge of your most valued people. Call me at 425-239-3785 if you are interested in finding out how I can help.
An awesome leader understands that we work better together. To begin tapping into this theory, you need to begin empowering your teams to do great things. Rather than make, force, or tell teams or people what to do, try asking questions that lead to better solution because more brains were involved.
Be proactive and positive: There is nothing worse than a leader who spreads doom and gloom. Be a lifter of the human spirit. Be one who speaks of the possibilities and things that are going right. Stop focusing first on what is wrong and begin every meeting, workshop, or project improvement with a question about what is going right. This will do more to motivate a person and inspire them to bring their best to the table.
Be a storyteller. In your stories you can share examples of greatness, heroism, or sheer will to succeed.
Be respectful and respected: If you do not respect others, chances are they will not respect you. It goes to the saying, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
As a leader, your team holds the keys to your success. Respect them for their contribution and knowledge. Respect your team for engaging with you in the vision and mission. Honor those on your team with their diversity. It is that diversity that in your followers that will help you be awesome. You cannot do it alone.
To be respected does not mean to be feared. Fear is a limiting motivator. It is short lived and people talk when it is used too much. Be respected by honoring your commitments and communicating the rewards and / or consequences for not living the values of the cause or organization.
Be giving in reward: To be honored and respected as an awesome leader you must reward you people. Give them all the credit. I call this boomerang leadership. What you give out will come back to you in droves of respect, honor, and trust.
In one organization I work with, all they are focused on now is the budget. They spout off about no money for this and for that. No money for training. No money for recognition. This tune has gotten old and the leaders are beginning to see and exit toward the door of their best and brightest people.
Reward your people and they will reward you!
This all comes full circle to the cliché, “Success begins and ends with leadership.” I hope you enjoyed “The 10 ‘Be’s’ for Awesome Leadership.” This is certainly not a complete list, however, it is pretty close. If you want to add to the list, please feel free to submit a comment. I would love to continue this topic.
Leadership matter in the world today and we need everyone engaged to make it awesome beyond belief!
