Efficient and effective leadership is one of the most valued abilities in the world. Leadership is key to managing everything from community leagues to entire nations, but not all leaders actually fill their role well or hold the respect of their followers. Some would argue that leadership ability is an inherited trait while others may argue that leadership is a learned skill: Nature versus nurture. While there are some inherited traits that will help an individual become a successful leader, the most successful leadership skills are learned. In fact, there are several crucial lessons that anyone can learn which have transformed the meekest souls into some of history's most noteworthy leaders.
Forget your ego
No man is an island and only the most egotistical of managers will neglect to consult their staff before introducing core changes. As a leader, you are ultimately in control, but if you remain narrow-minded and oblivious to the opinions of others, you will be a detrimental force to the group, organisation or business you lead. Your team is composed of individuals too with ideas and abilities that you may not possess, so remain open to advice from them. If you have faith in certain individuals, don't be afraid to trust them with additional responsibilities. A trusted worker is liable to be a more satisfied one and will also free up your time to concentrate on more important issues.
Communicate better
Communication is the most important tool at your disposal. Communicating frequently and sharing information builds trust, so share your ideas. Be sure to listen patiently and be honest in your responses, even if it involves confessing a degree of ignorance, then commit to resolving issues. One of the most common complaints of disgruntled employees is that their needs are not heeded and their words fall on deaf ears. If you keep the lines of communication open in an honest and free-flowing fashion, people will be more likely to approach you with innovative strategies and ideas.
Focus on rewards, not punishment
It is a common error among people in leadership positions to get caught up trying to motivate people by threatening them -- often times by means of financial deprivation or a harsher working environment. Although fear may work in the short-term to stimulate productivity and general good behaviour, it is likely to fail catastrophically in the long term. Fear breaks down the lines of communication, breeds resentment and, eventually, leads to insubordination and possibly retaliation. Instead of ruling with an iron fist, highly effective leaders offer incentives. By focusing on rewarding good work rather than punishing bad work you will encourage and spark creativity in those around you. Indeed, research shows that rewarding desirable behaviour is more effective than punishing undesirable behaviour.
Show appreciation
Recognition and praise are the strongest motivating factors and are widely craved by human beings so let others know when they have done well and performed beyond expectations. Studies have shown that both praise and recognition motivate employees to perform at higher levels and put forth their best efforts -- praise is even found to be more motivating than money! When leaders fail to appreciate others they often come to watch performance sink and overall morale decrease. Be specific, be timely and be public with your praise; doing so will improve morale and encourage productivity.
Be a role model
A great leader knows how to take responsibility for his/her actions and knows how to perform. You should always keep in mind that as a leader you will serve as an example to others and hence it is your consistent duty to be a model of how things should be done. You will be a source of inspiration to others if you emit the very qualities that you champion. 'Talking the talk' without ever 'walking the walk' will diminish your influential ability and weaken your credential in the eyes of others.
Criticize constructively and with empathy
Leading others sometimes involves identifying their errors and sharing how they might perform tasks more effectively. The manner in which you deliver your criticism, however, has a huge impact on your effectiveness as a manager. What you say isn't nearly as important as the manner and tone in which you say it. Demonstrating empathy and understanding will go a long way and make it less likely that the individual will take the criticism personally. It is good practice to also highlight what the person did right and make them aware of those successes instead of solely focusing on their errors.
Build trust
The importance of trust building in leadership cannot be understated -- you cannot effectively lead anyone if they do not trust you. Creating trust begins with your perceived competence and ends with the strength and integrity of your character. When your team screws up or makes an almighty mess, it is on the team leader's shoulders to accept responsibility and not dish out blame. Great leaders know that the failures of their team are failures of their leadership. Accepting responsibility for your team's failures, and not just their successes, will show strong integrity of character and help to earn their respect and their trust.
Show your enthusiasm
History's greatest leaders led causes they were passionate and enthusiastic about. Enthusiasm drives passion and fuels achievement in both yourself and in others. It is infectious. You can't successfully delegate if you appear disinterested in the objectives at hand, doing so will only make others disinterested. If you don't seem to care much about the outcome of your cause, then how can you expect others to? Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty to show your enthusiasm. Show that you are prepared to commit to the cause as much as you want your workers too and they will be far more likely to respond to your rallying call.
Have a clear, attainable vision
If you want to be a good leader, you need to have set objectives in mind and you need to be able to relay them to others. Enthusiasm is squandered if you cannot present a fully rounded vision of what you wish to achieve and how you plan to accomplish it. Indeed, leadership competency surveys have identified 'a lack of clear vision' as a key reason for many corporate and leadership failures. Your vision should specific, easy to understand, well-thought-out and consistently communicated as a reminder to yourself and to your team so that you are all striving toward the same collective goal.
Keep calm
A strong leader has to keep calm even in the face of distress. You should never allow the situation, no matter how bad, affect your rational judgment. If you can remain calm and think clearly, you are more likely to prevent a catastrophe and are increasingly likely to come out of the situation with a best-case scenario. The most dire of times are often when people need strong, rational leadership the most and great leaders rise to the occasion.
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