Leaders are full-plate people. When something goes off their plate, something else goes on. They have guidance to provide and decisions to make, and they understand the importance of keeping work moving forward. If they want their team to be productive, leaders know they must also be productive.
A big part of leadership is knowing what to focus on and what doesn’t matter so much. Lolly Daskal, the founder of Lead From Within, says the most effective leaders possess a unique set of traits and characteristics. They care about the right things, which helps make them great leaders.
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Daskal’s thoughts on some things leaders do – and don’t do – that make them so effective.
According to Daskal, the best leaders DO:
Care about the people on their team. This goes beyond meeting sales goals and winning accounts. The most successful leaders care about what’s going on in employees’ lives, both professionally and personally.
Care about creating a clear vision. Does your team know where you’re headed and what you want to accomplish? Effective leaders know exactly where they want to take their organization, Daskal says, and they communicate that vision to everyone involved.
Care about creating a positive atmosphere. Effective leaders understand that a positive atmosphere is essential for success, Daskal says, and they work to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Care about building trust. Trust is essential in the workplace. Employees should be able to trust their bosses and colleagues. Effective leaders work hard to build that trust.
Care about nurturing relationships. Successful leaders know how to build and foster relationships with employees. They work to truly get to know those on their team.
Care about communication. Effective leaders understand that communication is key to success, Daskal says, and they make sure everyone is on the same page.
Daskal says the most effective leaders DON’T:
Care about being popular. They know that some decisions may not be the popular decisions, but they remain focused on doing what’s best for the team and the organization.
Care about overseeing every little detail. The most successful leaders don’t feel the need to micromanage. They trust their team to do their jobs well.
Care about being perfect. Effective leaders understand that mistakes happen sometimes, Daskal says, and they focus on learning from them and moving forward.
Care about winning at all costs. Leaders must know how to balance short-term and long-term objectives. They know the goal isn’t to win every battle, but to keep their organization moving forward.
Care about personal gain. Effective leaders put the needs of the organization before their own personal needs, Daskal says.
Care about shortcuts. According to Daskal, effective leaders understand that success takes hard work and dedication, and they don’t look for shortcuts.
It takes work, but you can become a more successful leader by getting clear on what matters most. Take a look at Daskal’s do’s and don’ts for effective leadership and see which actions or behaviors you may need to adjust.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Lolly Daskal is founder of Lead From Within, a New York City-based consulting, executive coaching and global leadership firm.
