5 Steps to improving YOUR leadership

by Norman Murray

One definition of Leadership, is the ability to inspire others.

Also, those that communicate lead.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams

Here are 5 steps to improving your Leadership.

1. 1. Know where you are going. If you are not clear about the destination, you will wind up some place else and so will those looking to you for direction. Leaders have vision. Make sure your vision is clear and written down. Also, share your aspirations with your team. What is it you want to achieve, and how you can all help.
2. 2. Know why you are going there. There is no point in doing something extremely well, if it doesn't need to be done at all. Who benefits? What are the consequences of NOT realizing the vision? I am afraid, “to earn more money” is not a good reason, and your team will surely find you out. Why are you “going there” needs to be a big vision, to help make your “community” (however you define it) a better place when you leave it. Share your vision with your team, together work out what this vision will look like in short medium and long term. Also agree, on a regular basis how you are doing as a team – and not just the “sales” element.
3. 3. Understand how progress towards the vision is measured. What will it look like when the vision is a reality? How are we doing as a team, and how are we doing individually? Regular 1 2 1’s will naturally help this (at least 4 times a year.
4. 4. Know your resources. Use them. Ordinary leaders have accomplished extraordinary things with very little. Work with what you have, where you are, with the time available. Everyone has 24 hrs. a day. Use them in pursuit of the goals that get you where you want to go. Regular training to enhance those resources, for your team and for yourself.
5. 5. Be yourself. Nobody can be who you are with your unique history, perspective, and combination of strengths and weaknesses. Be yourself, but be your "best" self. Second rate character leads to second rate results.

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy

Being a Leader is rarely easy, but if you’ve taken the time to be a learner and to get to know your team, chances are they will follow you when you step up and lead.