Leadership is about making things happen.
If you want to make something happen with your life – in school, in your profession or in your community, do it. Perceived obstacles crumble against persistent desire.
But persistence for your cause should not be gained at the expense of others. A bit of leadership wisdom.
Listen and understand the issue, then lead.
Time and time again we have all been told, “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason”, “Seek to understand, rather than be understood.” As a leader, listening first to the issue, then trying to coach is the most valuable advice.
Answer the three questions everyone within your organization wants answers to.
What the people of an organization want from their leader are answers to the following: Where are we going? How are we going to get there? What is my role? The more clarity that can be added to each of the three questions, the better the result.
Master the goals that will allow you to work anywhere in today’s dynamic business world.
This piece of advice will be instrumental in shaping your direction, future and achievements. Jobs,
missions, titles and organizations will come and go as business is dynamic, it is always changing. Do not focus your goals toward any of these, but instead learn to master the skills that will allow you to work anywhere.
The ability to develop an idea; Effectively plan for its implementation; Execute second-to-none;
Achieve superior results time after time.
Be curious.
Curiosity is a prerequisite to continuous improvement and even excellence. Study people, processes, and structures. Be intellectually curious. Making progress, in part, is based upon thinking. Learn to apply this notion of intellectual curiosity by thinking about your organization’s future, understanding the present, and knowing and challenging yourself to creatively move the people and the organization closer to its vision.
Listen to both sides of the argument.
Listen to all different kinds of people and ideas. Listening only to those who share your background and opinions can be imprudent. It is important to respect your neighbours’ rights to their own views.
Listening to and talking with a variety of people, from professors to police officers, from senior citizens to school children, is essential not only to be a good leader in business, but to also be a valuable member within your community.
Prepare, prepare, prepare.
If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail. If one has truly prepared and something goes wrong the strength of the rest of what you’ve prepared for usually makes this something easier to handle without crisis and panic. “Preparation is the science of winning.”, “Have you done the work?” and “Do you deserve to win?” This speaks to the importance of preparation toward achieving your final goal. If you haven’t done the work (the preparation) the answer to the second question is an easy “no”
Define the Decision that Must be Made
Ask yourself: What am I trying to achieve with this decision? What is the problem that must be solved? What are my options? Avoid looking at the decision in either/or terms. There are often three or more options to any decision, so think creatively and expand your options.
Gather Information
Get as much information as possible – but don’t wait too long to decide. Avoid getting caught in “the paralysis of analysis.” Usually a good decision can be made with considerably less than 100 percent of the available information; 50 to 75 percent is usually sufficient.
Make a List of Pros and Cons
This will help you to think clearly and logically about the decision you must make.
Listen to Your Instincts and Intuition
This does not mean, trust your feelings. Feelings are never a good substitute for clear-eyed analysis. But most decisions are improved by listening to your intuition as well as your logic.
If Still Undecided, Consider Your Worst-Case Scenario
What is the worst thing that can happen if you decide this way or that way? Considering your worst-case scenario will help you identify the uncertainty and anxiety that keep you from deciding and it will bring clarity to your thinking.
Seek Counsel from Trusted Advisors
“In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Sometimes an outside perspective can bring clarity to the situation. You don’t have to take the advice of other people, but it is wise to listen and at least consider it.
Make a Decision
Don’t stall, don’t procrastinate – decide. Then act on your decision.
James Chapman is an international consultant and speaker, who has advised many of the world’s leading firms.
He has had the privilege over the past 16 years to provide motivational speeches to many international organisations.
James Chapman lives with his wife and son in the Algarve, Portugal.
Telephone: 00351 96 7114086
Email: James_Chapman12@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.adversityovercome.com
Blog: http://business-success22.blogspot.com
Tags: Decision Making, Good Management, Leadership
Related Posts
- Leadership Snobbery? The Need To Distinguish Between Management And Leadership
- Quotes On Leadership Can Make You Be A Real Leader
- I Want To Be A Leader
- What Is A Leader And How To Be One
- The 6 Essential Functions Of A Business Leader
« Discipline - Part Of The Job | Basics Of Designing A New Space »