Qualities of an Effective Leader

• Leaders are purposeful; they have a clear view of their objectives and avoid digressions into irrelevancy.

• Leaders know their stuff; they have a thorough grasp of their subjects, when possible, backed up with hands-on experience.

• Leaders are prepared. No matter how well you know what you’re talking about, choose appropriate ways of getting your message across. Avoid shortcuts.

• Leaders are enthusiastic, but season their enthusiasm with intelligence and appropriate humor.

• Leaders understand use of drama. Dull is boring, so cultivate a sense of staging, especially when addressing a group.

• Leaders are confident and easy-going. Regardless of their management style, they speak clearly, projecting their voices and looking people in eye. Distinct speech is a sign of distinct ideas; self-assurance catches on.

• Leaders maintain a positive attitude. They never speak ill of their organizations or of individuals under their management. The glass is always half full, never half empty.

• Leaders demonstrate contagion of example. It’s not enough to talk talk; leaders must walk walk.

• Leaders support their subordinates, giving them widest possible authority and discretion, while keeping responsibility centralized with themselves.

• Leaders live U.S. Army’s motto: Adapt, Improvise and Overcome.

Leadership Makes Businesses Work

If management ability keeps systems operating efficiently, leadership identifies management needs and seeks systems to address them. If management skills are required to administer existing programs and systems, it takes leadership to create a vision of success, and get people excited about attaining it.

In short, leadership—provided by agency heads, sales managers and other members of management team—makes businesses work. It enables them develop to limits of their potential, then helps them break those limits.

Want More? Send comments and questions to w.willard3@knology.net

Sources: Management Online – A “Do-While-Learning”™ Program, The Diversified Group The Marine Officer’s Guide, Naval Institute Press

The really fun part is deciding on prize! Get creative but choose something that is manageable for you. Some suggestions are adding a person to winner’s organization or offering a training book or training seminar. The contest goal is biggest gas peal for team; prize is just icing on cake!

A critical key to a successful contest is communicating to your whole team details of contest. Then request that ones who are interested in propelling their business and winning a prize let YOU KNOW. This puts milk out for ones who are truly excited and going to do it. You are only putting extra energy into people who are returning energy.

Once you have motivated people from your team on board, let game begin. You may just find contest ignites your fire a bit more, too. You’ll see both businesses take off.