It?s interesting to hear the responses from executives when I
ask them, ?What are the characteristics of a good Leader??
If I ask that question in a large room of executives, or even
upper level managers the answers will be all over the map, and
many are conflicting.
A couple of the usual answers are: ?A leader is someone that
empowers those working for him to make their own decisions. ?A
leader is someone who gives clear, direct orders, a take charge
person that commands his employees.
The first implies that we let the employees make up their own
minds what to do, and how to get the end result. The second
implies that we?d better be somewhat of a micromanager and tell
everyone exactly what to do and how to do it.
Aren?t those somewhat conflicting?
After we have built a huge list, and almost always the RIGHT
answer isn?t there, I?ll point out to them they have put several
conflicting statements up there.
So, ?If you had to narrow it down to just one thing that defines
a really good leader, what would it be??
Out of all the years I?ve asked that question of executives, I
believe only one time has someone even come close to the answer.
The answer is ?A leader gets results.? I believe that the reason
there were so many conflicting characteristics is that most of
what we put up there was ?situational.? A good leader always
knows when to use whatever tool according to the situation to
get the results that are needed.
Too many are stuck in one mode or the other because ?that is the
right way to do it,? such as ?empowering? employees. I?ll admit
that is usually the best way, but there are employees that need
a nudge once in a while, that perform well when given
step-by-step directions instead of guidelines.
Too many are focused on activities, and then get frustrated
because they don?t get results.
A good leader knows how to find the right tool, when to use it,
and always delivers results.
About the author:
Alan Boyer, CEO of The Leader?s Perspective, LLC is considered
one of the world?s leading breakthrough specialists.
With over 35 years of business experience, he has catapulted
businesses lightyears ahead in weeks. Some double, some jump 10
times.
He helps companies worldwide reach further than they EVER
thought possible?.FASTER
http://www.leaders-perspective.com
mailto:AlanBoyer@leaders-perspective.com
|
