The Leader in You

Does it frustrate you to watch things fall apart at work because there is no clear direction given from management?  Do you hate watching and waiting for tasks to be handed out?  Does it seem as though everyone plays follow the leader?

Do you seem more interested than others around you in assuring that goals and accomplishments are achieved?  Your inner-leader may well be trying to emerge. 

To be a great leader, do not assume it means that you need to hold the power.  Great leadership is defined by being able to persuade and influence others around you to work towards the goals of the organization as a whole.  Communication is a crucial key to successful leadership abilities.  A leader is not born, but developed by practice and experience.

To be an effective leader, you must know where you are headed and where you want your department to be headed.  If you have a clear vision, then your people will too.  If you are unsure, they will be lost.  Be sure that you are aware of all the inner-workings and contacts of the organization.  Know who the managers are, whom you need to talk to get critical information, what the organization’s goals and objectives are, and how the organization works from the inside out.

Show your people that they can trust you, talk to you and depend on having a good relationship with you.  The way that you deal and talk with your people is how you build good relationships and rapport with them.  This is crucial to build the strength and confidence of your group.  Once you have your group’s trust and confidence, you can easily communicate the goals and projects that you want them to help you succeed in obtaining.

Communication to your people should definitely entail sharing of your knowledge and technical expertise, while also keeping your mind open that you may and probably will learn from the members of your team.  Decision-making is another important skill to have in an effective leader.  You should be able to assess situations, anticipate needs, weigh the pros and cons of your decision and be able to clearly find resolutions.

Remember that the best, most successful leaders make sound decisions, utilize their teams and co-workers for their knowledge and resources, and recognize the talents and abilities that their people have.  When all of your people feel appreciated and valued, you can successfully form a well-integrated team that shines to serve the greater purpose of the organization.