Leadership.
Webster’s dictionary categorizes this word as a noun. I like to think
of it as a verb. Specifically an action verb. It is a continuous
action. It is something you consciously do ever day. It becomes a part
of who you are over time. It takes practice and experience to master.
It is intentional, and is never self-serving.
Over the past 20 years I have watched some great leaders in action, as well as some not so great ones. They have left their mark on those who rely on their knowledge, skill, and leadership, and have followed certain patterns and behaviors that should be emulated, or avoided respectively.
Trust
your people…
One of the common patterns I have noted in a great leader is trust of
the bright people that he or she leads. When a great leader inherits a
group of people to lead, they come into this new situation with eyes
wide open, but also with optimism, assuming the best of everyone. The
only thing that can change that leader’s opinion of a person is that
person himself. Rumors have no place in their conversations.
Listen
to your people…
Another behavior I have noted is a leader listens, and not just to
those above him or his peers, but he listens to those in his
organization. After all, he hired them because he trusts them, right?
One hurdle he will have to inevitably overcome in this area is the
tendency for his people to feel uncomfortable talking to him openly
about problems. I have found that the best way to win their trust and
show that you truly care is to get in the trenches with them. Talk to
them like they are your equal, because guess what, they are! The more
you get to know them and they you, the more trust will grow and the
truly open and honest communication can begin.
Serve
your people…
A really great leader is a servant leader. One who will “wash the
feet” of those he leads. Your duty as a leader is to those you lead
first and foremost. You are there to support them, teach them, and
make them successful. You are there to guide them when they need your
help, and you are there to let them fly once they have the confidence
and ability to take that leap.
While there are many other facets to being a great leader, I find that trust is key; so much so that it is the foundation of my own leadership philosophy. You have to trust your people, and they have to trust you. All of your success or failure will ultimately depend on how well your team works together and with you. Your odds of success are dramatically better if you dedicate the time and effort it takes to build that trust..
Robert Lee Franks 