What is ... and is not - Leadership

 Leadership matters 

I have see a deterioration of leadership that has been happening for the past 10 plus years and in all walks of life. When I have conversations with my family and friends we all share the same concerns and complaints - lack of leadership and direction- we represent teachers, nursing, sales, trucking, higher education, politics and more but yet we all have similar stories.

What happened? 

Well first what makes a good leader ? Someone who listens and understands what the employees that he leads do , hopefully because he once did it. So prompting from within and climbing the ladder is essential. That said not all good employees make good managers or bosses, it is a completely different skill set. I notice that people are put into positions that they are simply not ready for but the pay raise and titles are enticing so of course they grab it, not their fault but whoever offered them the position may not be right for their position so therefore starts the trickle down collapse of leadership.

A real leader wants his employees under him to feel like a team and they matter because they do, the success of the leader and the company relies on everybody doing their part. A leader listens and watches and advices and has the best interest of their employee at heart, your job as a leader or boss is to know each person’s weaknesses and strengths and then assist in bringing out the best in them, always praising and respecting them even when showing them where improvements are needed.

A real leader always keeps his door and ears open and if there is failure he must take his share of the blame and correct the process. If someone is not following up on their work he must do his best to first educate and help and if necessary Re assign that individual but remember everyone is alway watching, how they see you handle other people is how they feel you will be with them.

Forming a team atmosphere is always a work in process, you can always do better. Better technology is always around the corner, improved processes and communication means more profit and increased pride.

What leadership is not - bosses or people with titles thinking they are better or barking orders to the people that they are supposed to be responsible for. Leaders and bosses and managers must stay engaged, daily.