Ten Principles of Successful Leadership
Being a leader is a versatile role that requires you to be on your toes and constantly show your best self. A variety of skills are essential for commanding a group or organization, but leaders can use 10 basic principles as a guide toward becoming inspirational figures. These principles can be grouped into four categories: principles concerning the leader's attitude toward reaching goals, her relations with members of the group, her self-imposed work standards and her image.
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Attitude Toward Reaching Goals
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One of the main issues leaders are judged on is their way of boosting the team toward success. A leader can do this by not hiding his enthusiasm, as a means of motivating his team members. Secondly, leaders must be ready to take initiative, when they see that an alternative reaction is better than following a textbook procedure. Thirdly, when it comes to achieving a target, leaders must be decisive and try to pass this mentality to team members. Fourthly, a leader must be adaptive, so that he can help his team tackle unexpected shortcomings.
Relations with Group Members
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A fifth principle of successful leadership is the willingness to listen to the concerns and suggestions of your group members. Never assume you are infallible or that you have already thought of all alternative solutions to a problem. The sixth principle concerns the leader's ability to show recognition and to reward group members for their contribution to the common cause. Such reward can include a bonus pay, a plaque or even a simple verbal recognition.
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Self-Imposed Work Standards
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The seventh principle leaders must follow is to recognize their strengths and weaknesses and focus on areas they know best. This can help them to use their skills to the fullest and minimize the possibility of error, just because they were unfamiliar with an issue. Rigorous preparation and constant evaluation of decisions is the eighth principle. Leaders must scrutinize every possible alternative before reaching a decision and remain updated on the decision's execution afterwards.
Leader's Image
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It is not only your actions, but also your image as a leader that can motivate your team. The ninth principle concerns the positive communication environment leaders must create within the team. A leader must be straightforward and honest in her communication with team members and encourage them to follow her example. The 10th principle of successful leadership is simple, but of fundamental importance: leadership is not ego-driven, and you must focus on the team's success instead of your personal aspirations.
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