Leadership 101:
Something every manager needs to know

03/05/07

There once was a time when being a good manager was a sure path to success. Maintaining the status quo ... following the rules and regulations ... organizing and staffing ... controlling and solving problems ... all good stuff, right? Well, like so many "once upon a times," it’s just not the way today’s business success stories are written.

It used to be that change and growth in the workplace were orderly and incremental – and in an orderly business environment, good managers could count on doing well in their careers. But today’s business dynamic demands on much more than just maintaining the status quo – and responding to rapid technology changes, workforce diversity, global economies, deregulation and more. Organizations now need leaders, not just managers.

So what are the traits of effective leaders? Well, Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, Richard Nixon and many other notable leaders have all written about their own personal “Ten Commandments” of leadership. And, not surprisingly, a common thread seems to run through these various versions of leadership skills. Let’s take a look at some of the top ways to develop from “manager” to “leader.”

Leaders create a vision. They have a big idea they can communicate to others, as well as a clear picture of a future goal.

Leaders trust their staff. They don’t micromanage people; they delegate authority and rely on their staff to do their jobs.

Leaders keep cool in a crisis. Grace under fire means keeping your head when things go wrong, and defending a position you’ve taken.

Leaders know what’s important – and what isn’t. They know how to simplify complex problems and zero in on the essential elements without “sweating the small stuff.”

Leaders are experts – and teachers. Knowledge is a powerful tool, and leaders know their company’s products and services. And leaders know how important it is to impart their knowledge to others in the organization.

Leaders encourage risk-taking. How else can an organization ever learn anything new if it never takes risks? Leaders encourage people to “think outside the box” – which motivates and invigorates the workforce.

Don’t be satisfied with simply managing people…becoming an effective leader is good for you, good for your organization and good for your staff. And there are many wonderful resources available to you as you grow from manager to leader. The Fast Answers for People Managers ™ Series from G.Neil is designed to help you become more effective in dealing with workplace personnel challenges. And they’re so affordably priced; you can’t afford not to have them!