My first thought in these situations is EXPERIENCE.... but, lot of experience does not always make a good leader. It is also debatable that this experience has to be in the same field as the position. While that may have its advantages, management is management and leadership is leadership and if one is a professional manager/leader, then one should be able to demonstrate these skills in all fields. However, bear in mind that there are always exceptions.
My second thought is one must have excellent communication skills which includes oral, written, as well as listening. Listening is a key to understanding, especially when there are two side to the story. It is not always clear when one is listening to the truth or not.
My third thought is taking responsibility. When one takes responsibility, one is leading by example and it is this example the people want to follow or do not want to follow. Taking responsibility means admitting mistakes and setting about to correct those mistakes.
My fourth thought is having a clear, concise vision and a detailed set of goals, along with a set of tasks to achieve those goals. One cannot lead, if one has no idea where one is going. Coupled with goals and tasks are realistic time tables that have incorporated into them milestones, so that one can feel that one is accomplishing something.
My fifth thought is that one must be FAIR. This is not the same as equity or equality which does not really pertain to the world of business. A business leader is color blind and put the best person they can find in critical positions that has nothing to do with race, gender, or age.
My sixth thought is that a good leader must fully understand the business they are leading and all the products. They need to have a general understanding of accounting, economic forecasting, marketing, advertising, human resources, and all related technologies which includes quality management and process improvement which includes a concept called SYSTEMS THINKING.
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