How to Lead Like a Natural Leader

Some people seem to be natural leaders. Others have to develop the skills to become great leaders. This 'How To' briefly explains the three basic skills all leaders possess. You can be a great leader; just build your skills.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Develop a vision of greatness. What do your people want or need to accomplish? Where do you need to go together, some point to reach or accomplishment that people must stretch to attain. Some examples could be to win a game, reach a sales goal, write a book, start a business or a church. This vision must be challenging and attainable. It must be relevant to the reason the people are together. Your vision may be the mission of the group or a specific project you are trying to acomplish. Your vision peaks people's interest!

2. Communication! Develop an extraordinary sense of communication with your people. You must 'connect.' Leaders speak to their people in such a way that everyone understands; not an easy task. Telling people to do tasks is NOT the same as a developing rapport. Developing rapport means speaking so each listener understands and, then, DESIRES to accomplish the vision. You speak to the listener, but not be condescending. Improve your speaking and listening skills. Excellent communication greatly improves your ability to accomplish strategic objectives.

3. Be trustworthy. Probably the toughest leadership trait is to get people to trust you. It sounds easy to just be trustworthy. However, everyone wants to get what he/she 'deserves' out of the organization. When people percieve your personal intentions far outweigh their interests, you lose trust and leadership credibility. The next step explains some of the attributes that help you become trustworthy.

4. -Show that you are dedicated to the vision. Believe to the point that you sacrifice or will sacrifice as needed!
   -Dress the role of the leader. Maybe a suit, maybe coveralls and boots. Your appearance tells people whether or not you are working toward your vision.
   -Show that you care about your people. Ensure mail and paychecks are delivered. Ensure people take necessary breaks. Ensure people are trained to and understand your standards.
   -Show confidence in your people. Trust that your people will make good decisions. If you can't do this, conduct training/counseling to build your team's maturity. Usually, the team's maturity mirrors the leader's maturity.
   -Keep people informed. Develop several communication techniques, ie. face-to-face meetings, written notes, signage, e-mail, daily/weekly newsletters, bulletins, good policy manuals, procedure books, uniforms with a message/slogan.
   -Follow up, follow up, follow up. If you don't follow up, eventually, tasks don't get done. If you don't care enough to follow up and thank people for their work, you will not succeed and you are not a leader.
   -Reward people for their exemplary work. Create an atmosphere that rewards people who contribute greatly toward the vision. People love to be recognized! Leaders have the self-confidence to rewards others, even their peers!
   -Develop basic management skills. Management skills include planning, organizing, people/counseling skills, and control skills. Get any basic management book to learn more about these skills. Know who your best planners are (Planning). Likewise, who organizes people and equipment well (Organizing)? Who can train/counsel others (People/counseling)? Who can decide if the team is on the right track or is wasting resources (Control)? You must have a good understanding of each of these. However, if you can deligate some of these tasks to a group expert, you demostrate excellent leadership!
   -Be technically competent. Know your industry's details. Read trade magazines. Understand what is new and upcoming in your business. Constantly study and learn. Expect your people to do the same.
   -Display great integrity. Expect people to do as you do.
   -Have courage and encourage others. Take smart well-thought out risks rather than gamble.
   -Associate with other leaders. Be involved as a member of leadership associations.
   -Be proactive. Don't rest on past success. Build for the future.
   -Be effective and efficient. Use resources wisely.
   -Stay calm!

5. Understand that some people will simply never follow you. They may never follow anyone. Treat these people fairly and consistently. Expect to have difficult days/weeks/years. Other people may also have their future ambitions as taking your position. They may not see you as a leader and may work against you. These people will test your leadership ability.
   Stay strong and determined! Work with your people and enjoy working toward your vision. It is your decision to be a leader, anyway. If you don't lead, who will?
   Self-evaluate your performance. Guaranteed, everyone else is evaluating you.
   Have fun in your leadership roles. Their is no reason to be an emotional drain on your organization. Build up everyone.

[severt101]

on 1/31/2009 Great article. 5* recommendation