12 Steps to Being a Leader

In my current MBA course, which is called Organizational Behavior, we are studying leadership this week. In the "module," which is essentially the online version of a class (where the professor, through notes/slideshows/graphs/videos, essentially gives a lecture), there were great tips on becoming a "forward leader." A "forward leader" is defined as someone who believes that 1) the old, top-down approach is out, 2) the rate of change is very fast, and 3) this generation won't listen to you anyway

I thought I'd share them with you, because everyone wants to be a leader, right?

These are all so great, and I love 1 & 4 especially, but my absolute favorite is #3!!! Leaders (really, everyone) need to LISTEN!!! This is something that has always been my pet peeve. I can't stand it when people ask me questions multiple times because they didn't listen to the answer the first time. Or, when I can see that someone is trying to push me along when I'm talking because they are too focused on making their point. It happens EVERYWHERE, in fact, in my experience it happens more outside of the office among friends and family than it does in work. The worst part about bad listeners is that they always say "I know I'm a bad listener, I need to work on that..." and then they never do. So, here's the proof that you actually need to be a good listener in order to be an effective leader!

Enjoy...

Twelve Steps to Forward Leadership

1. Leaders are both confident and modest.
   You need a healthy ego to lead, but you also need to be strong enough to check it at the door. It is not about making yourself more powerful. It is about making the people around you more powerful!
   
2. Leaders are authentic.
   You earn the trust and respect of the people you work with when you know who you are and you walk your talk. Who believes in leaders who don't believe in themselves?
   
3. Leaders are listeners.
   Great listening is fueled by curiosity; it's hard to be a great listener if you are not curious about what other people have to say. The enemy of curiosity is grandiosity - the belief that you have all the answers.
   
4. Leaders give encouragement.
   You are also never satisfied and are always raising the stakes for yourself and others; you are always testing and building courage and stamina throughout the organization.
   
5. Leaders make unexpected connections.
   You organize and lead conversations among people who don't normally interact. You see patterns that allow for small innovations and breakthrough ideas.
   
6. Leaders provide direction.
   You do not necessarily provide answers!
   You know how to pose revealing questions. You are not in control or in charge. You are in touch and out front!
   
7. Leaders protect and expose.
   You protect your people from danger and expose them to reality. Most people want their boss to insulate them from change rather than mobilize them to face it. That is why leadership is so dangerous!
   
8. Leaders make change but not in their values.
   You identify habits and assumptions that must be changed while at the same time keeping dear those values and operations that are central, or at the core, of who we are.
   
9. Leaders lead by example.
   You use small gestures to send big messages. You feel an obligation to live your life according to the principles you espouse and realize you are always under a microscope.
   
10. Leaders don't blame; they learn.
    Even the smartest managers make mistakes. Bill Gates said the Internet would not have a big impact on Microsoft's business. The experimental mind-set is critical: try, fail, learn . . . and try again!
    
11. Leaders look for and network with other leaders.
    Stop playing the Lone Ranger. Find allies, network with like-minded colleagues, and help them become better leaders.
    It is lonely at the top only if you place yourself on a pedestal.
    
12. Leaders make more leaders. IMPORTANT
    Look around the typical organization. Are there enough leaders in every function at every level? Are there enough leaders to take that organization charging into the unknown and challenging future? If not, then go make some more!! For a great example of this, look at Jack Welch!