Five Keys to Successful Leadership

One cannot overstate the impact quality leadership has on an organization’s success. Conversely, an organization that has poor, or worse toxic leaders, will experience decreases in productivity, morale, retention, and revenue. Finding good leaders and keeping them should be a paramount goal for any organization. In addition, it is crucial that company leadership identify potential future leaders from within the ranks, being sure to mentor and develop them for future leadership positions.

Personally, military leaders impress me above all others. Having the ability to influence individuals and large teams to execute their duties under (usually) horrible conditions that most often lead to death is quite amazing to me. How do these leaders influence their teams to perform at elevated levels under duress? What do good leaders have to do to ensure their team is performing to the best of their abilities? Of course, one may say that soldiers have the motivation to fight for family and country. While that may be true, some military units consistently outperform others. This is always due to leadership.

While good leaders may have unique styles, their common trait is knowing how to give their people what they need when they need it. Leadership styles run the gamut from empathy to indifference, coaching to criticism, and all points in between. But the key is understanding what your team needs from you and knowing when to deliver it.

Further, leaders must be genuine. People can spot insincerity; you cannot fake honesty and integrity. How you treat people and interact with them reveals much. Be sure to show the custodian the same respect as the CEO.

“It is crucial that company leadership identify potential future leaders from within the ranks, being sure to mentor and develop them for future leadership positions.”

Here are five keys to successful leadership:

1. Do not Make Perfect the Enemy of Good - Being a leader means you will often have to make decisions quickly, sometimes with limited information. General Patton once said, “a good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.” Concise and true. No leader, nor their team, will benefit from a leader’s inability to assess a situation and decide a course of action promptly. Assess the situation, identify your options, consider the consequences, and make your decision.

2. All Eyes Are on You - A leader’s words and actions are always noticed. A successful leader will not forget that they are being scrutinized. Similarly, they must understand the impact their words and actions have on those around them, especially on those on their team. A leader must continually strive to conduct themselves with dignity and model high character. Show respect for all, show genuine concern and empathy for others, embrace what you believe to be true and let it inform your decisions. Be encouraging, especially in adverse situations, and never renege on a commitment. A leader whose words and actions uplift those around them will earn respect and inspire high performance.

3. Never Do The, “Give & Take” - It is vitally important that a leader does not betray the trust of their team nor in any way reduce their morale. As a leader, you may be privy to corporate or departmental tactical or strategic plans that have yet to be decided. Do not discuss such plans with your team. For example, higher wages, promotions, PTO increases or any other things that help your team should not be discussed with them if they have not been finalized. If the things discussed do not materialize, your team may perceive that you have taken something from them. These types of unsubstantiated discussions will only serve to distract team focus, increase gossip, reduce morale, and reduce trust in the leader.

4. Put Your Team First – The well being of your team is your top priority. Satisfied employees are productive employees. Support them, regularly check-in with them to be sure they have a decent work/life balance and do all you can to ensure they feel productive, and they are progressing on a career path.

5. Do Not Micromanage – Allow your team to be creative! Tell them what to do, not how to do it. Then give them the space to execute. In general, people dislike taking direction from a leader that boxes them in and allows no room for creativity and innovative thinking. To quote General Patton again, “Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”

In truth, there is no, “secret sauce.” Good leadership comes down to honesty, integrity, building good relationships, and sound decision making. Strive to be the leader you would like to work for.