This past week I read an article about a premier that was considering a cabinet shuffle, in essence because not enough of his cabinet ministers were supporting him. Senior political advisors were recommending that those unsupportive ministers be moved out because they cared too much about their ridings and not enough about supporting the premier.
The fact that a senior leader “thinks” that, much less “quotes” something like that is what sparked this post. The world is full of books, podcasts, seminars, and other media on what leadership is and how to become a good leader, it would be presumptuous of me to think that, I could add anything to what has already been done. However, my approach is different, I believe that effective leadership isn’t complicated; here are fifteen simple principles of effective leadership, in 1000 words or about 5 minutes or less.
Leadership isn’t complicated and few people are born leaders; however, leadership can be learned and developed. I have been taught that leadership can be defined quite simply.
- Leadership is about Honesty and integrity. If a leader doesn’t have these two characteristics, then nothing they do matters. Your people need to be able to trust you and they need to know that you will always try to do what is right. Simplistic, perhaps, but you will notice that no place in this post will you find anything about leaders not making mistakes or being perfect. Leaders are human, not everyone will agree with what they do, and they will make mistakes; to expect otherwise is unfair.
- Leadership is about making decisions and being decisive. An effective leader will ask: What are the facts? What are the alternatives? They will use the available time to weigh their options, whether they have 30 seconds or 30 days and then they will make a decision. Will the decision always be right, only time will tell. A leader doesn’t hesitate to make decisions.
- Leadership is about humility and the ability to self-correct. Truly effective leaders motivate other people to be better and they want other people to be the stars. People who claim to be a leader and refuse to share the spotlight only create resentment. Their people will eventually see them for what they really are and realize that charisma isn’t always a leadership trait. Effective leaders allow themselves to reflect and ask: What did we do right? What did we do wrong? What would we do different next time? Effective leaders realize that with new or more facts, decision may need to change or be revisited. Their egos are not so large that they can appreciate that changing their mind based on new evidence is worth the risk of someone accusing them of “flip-flopping.
- Leaders seek out people who may be smarter and stronger than they are. Effective leaders are not afraid of challenges from their people. When evaluating options an effective leader will appreciate that not everyone will agree with them. They will encourage and listen to other perspectives as well as fresh ideas and different solutions. Effective leaders include their people as part of the decision-making process, and they know that is always better than simply having people who blindly support them.
- Leaders accept criticism. Leaders do not have a monopoly on good ideas. A truly effective leader learns from everyone and listens when criticised. One of my mentors tried to teach me that when I was criticised, before defending myself, ask myself, “What if they are right? Taking a moment to consider that I could be wrong was one of the most important lessons he taught me.
- Leaders encourage their subordinates and colleagues to debate ideas and approaches. Leaders encourage their people to try their ideas and take risks and to experiment with new ideas. Leaders appreciate that innovation is the way to grow and build for their future.
- Leaders effectively communicate. Their people are included in conversations and understand their roles and what to expect. Leaders diffuse drama and anxiety by being calm and poised in a crisis.
- Leaders are empathetic. They don’t just tell people that they understand their problems and perspectives, they actually have the ability and take the time to look at situations from other perspectives
- Leaders follow the same rules that they set for others. Effective leaders understand the importance of leading by example to build trust and to demonstrate integrity.
- Leaders raise spirits and build morale through culture. Effective leaders recognize people who are struggling, they appreciate that their people are people. Truly effective leaders don’t need their “tires pumped up” but recognize their subordinates may need that kind of encouragement.
- Leaders ensure their people are looked after before themselves. Something as simple as waiting until everyone else is served at a company lunch is noticed and appreciated by their people.
- Leaders believe in developing their people. Effective leaders train their people; they look for constant improvement and help everyone to get better, from the newest associate to the most senior person.
- Leaders are responsive to the needs of their people. Effective leaders are available whenever their people have questions, even if it means having to stay later to get their own work finished. Solid leaders work the same kind of hours that they expect their associates to work, up to and including staying late to “lock up.” Effective leaders really do have an “open door.”
- Leaders are consistent and they are courageous. Their integrity is not something they use and don’t use; their decision-making process means they will do what they and their people believe to be right each time.
- Leaders accept the responsibility of leadership. Leaders understand they earn their money, not when everything is running smoothly, but when things are coming apart. Leaders should build people and systems to anticipate issues, but when a problem or crisis occurs, effective leaders own the problem and work through the issue as a team.
The leader referred to in the opening paragraph is the antithesis of a good leader. They are an example of how sometimes leaders forget that leadership isn’t about them; it is about the people they lead. These principles are the distillation of the many great mentors I have had; the books, seminars, workshops, podcasts and conferences I had read or attended, I hope that you find them helpful.