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Have you ever thought about what types of traits you should have to be considered an effective leader?
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Have you ever thought about what types of traits you should have to be considered a leader? Have you ever thought about what types of traits you should have to be considered an effective leader? There is a big difference.
Becoming a leader can happen in so many ways. One way is by default. Sometimes there is no one who wants the responsibility and you become ordained. If there is a lack of desire to take control and lead a group or organization, then success will probably be less than overwhelming, if not nonexistent.
Quite often, seniority has its privileges. This type of succession can be a double-edged sword. On one hand it fosters long-term employment, low turnover, and hopefully company loyalty. The downside is that just because you have been employed with the same company since the turn of the century does not exactly qualify you as fit to lead. You might work for a privately-held company which is family owned, or operated from another country. In this scenario, there is a good possibility you may not make it to the top position. If your company is based in England, there may be feelings of or examples that only the English managers can make it to the leadership ranks.
With these examples, you probably have seen one type or another take place during your working career. Take heart! You do not have to have four stars on your shoulders, or have CEO in front of your name to be a leader. Leadership starts the first day of your job. Some traits most people want to see from their leaders are: consistency, respect, honesty, creativity, trustworthiness, organization, follow through and hands-on activity.
Do you agree with these labels? All of these traits are qualities you can have without having one person report to you. No one has said that leadership requires a mass of troops that report to you. An individual who has these traits leads by example.
Okay, now you have been promoted to a position where someone, or quite a few people report to you. What does it take to be considered an effective leader? For starters, do you get the feeling that those you lead view you as having any of the above traits? Remember, it is how they see you, not how you see yourself. This is probably one of the biggest pitfalls that we as individuals make. I know many people who think that since they are the boss they should be loved by all and considered an effective and efficient leader. Wake Up! To be considered an effective leader remember this golden rule ÷ all of those who report to you are not created equal.
There is an old Sales Concepts proverb, A, B, C, D and 1, 2, 3, 4. Have you ever heard of this? As the boss or leader, what style are you? What are the styles of the people who report to you? This matters. To be considered an effective leader you should have the traits we mentioned earlier, but you should also be: a good listener, a good communicator, fair, understanding, flexible, and open-minded.
You may think you should be everything to everyone. If you find yourself lacking a trait; backup, take a look at yourself and those who work for you. See why you click with some and not with others. Are you an A1 and some of your people are D4âs. Remember, an effective leader develops tomorrowâs leaders! If those who work for you tend to quit, or ask for reassignment versus getting promoted, it could be you.
Hot Tip: Unseat the Unseatable
The company on whom I am calling has always bought from Company X. They say, Old Bill has been working with us for years. We are pleased with his product, service, and policies. There is no way we would change.ä My response is, "I want to ask just one question. Would you prefer to be ecstatic rather than merely happy with Company X and old Bill?"
Try This
You know after all these years, he may be taking you a little bit for granted! His service will probably improve if you buy something from me. You will get a better price, and I bet you see more of old Bill!
Try it: it's worked for us.
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