Different styles do not mask the need for competency.
The other day I spent a moment reflecting on my days in the military as I looked out at the parade square at Royal Roads University in Victoria.
It’s a relic from the past, from a time when Royal Roads was a military college. This is where the cadets would march in tight unison, obeying commands and learning a very traditional approach to leadership.
Times have changed. And with that change comes an understanding that there are different styles of leadership and that different styles are suited to different situations and organizations.
No matter what your leadership style, there are some competencies that are demonstrated by all effective leaders.
There is no magic formula for inspiring leadership in others. Rather, it is a collection of attributes, skills and learned behaviour. Some of these attributes you are born with. Others you can acquire through formal programs. To inspire leadership in others you must first demonstrate passion, enthusiasm and determination in everything you do. To inspire leadership you must show leadership.
Here are several concepts that can assist you in leading others and inspiring them to be their best.
* Management skills: Management is essentially the science of planning, preparation and execution. This requires close and constant collaboration with every member of your team. The degree of professionalism that you undertake in the preparation, planning and execution of management functions is reflected in your success in staying ahead of the competition.
Your management skill level is echoed in the development procedures that are clearly understood by all and are therefore effective. The collective goal of you and your team is to continuously and collectively strive to enhance the performance and value of your product/service through ceaseless review and improvement.
* Leadership attributes: The most important attribute you can have as a leader is that of respect. You must earn the respect of others as they must earn yours. You must respect your employees and your customers. You must demonstrate integrity and consistency in your behaviour.
* Shared vision and values: Do your team members know the direction they and the company are going? Does everyone in your enterprise work as a cohesive group in a stellar professional manner that is accepted, respected and pursued with vigour by all? A company is only as strong as its weakest link. Share your vision. Inspire your employees to live by a mutually agreed-upon creed of values. Create a work environment built on trust and support and never forget to bring humour and fun into the workplace.
* Know thyself: It is absolutely critical that you believe in yourself and your ability to lead others. Be aware of your emotions and feelings, and manage yourself in a consistent and professional manner that brings out the best in others. Bring your passion for life to work, but also take the time to stand back and reflect. Use the “3F’s.”
Be fair. Be firm. Be friendly.
* Technical skills: Ensure your skills and expertise are appropriate to your role in the organization. Know your business from the shop floor up. Nothing impresses an employee more than the owner or manager who can speak the language of the factory floor. Technical competence demands the respect of your workers.
* Inspiring performance: Leaders who wish to inspire team members must show by example. In order to gain the support and commitment of others, you must demonstrate integrity, self-belief, self-control, sensibility, openness, vulnerability, purpose, recognition – in your beliefs and in your leadership.
* Team development: The synergy achieved by harnessing the collective energy of a strong team is a marvellous thing. To fully understand the potential of your team, you must understand the dynamics of team development and work through the various stages of team development. These stages are: Align your personal goals with team goals at the outset; improve your performance through team building; and understand the emotions of the team as you guide them through each stage of development.
Work hard at enhancing these leadership competencies as they are the foundations that drive the performance of an organization. Develop your competencies in self-motivation and conflict management. Be performance-focused, show self-discipline and exercise control over your limited resources. Most importantly – have fun!
