As we continue with the no normal, new normal or whereever we land once we are out of these economic doldrums, it will take leadership - more even than technical skills and management - to succeed. So here are a few leadership tips I have used with mid-level and senior executives:
Maintain a positive demeanor, even during heavy squalls. Move with confidence and authority; the attitude and morale of your colleagues will be favorably influenced.
Establish clear priorities, complemented by clarity in direction you give to people. Avoid vagueness and generality; change is hard enough on folks.
Emphasize short-term objectives when a few solid wins will elevate morale. Ask people to stretch but make goals achievable, then shoot off fireworks when they are surpassed.
Go looking for bad news; get resistance to change out in the open. Make it easy for people to let you know about what requires attention. Don't be the last to know!
Pay close attention to transitions - people, clients, systems, economic. Careful monitoring (but not micro-management) may be needed to keep everyone on track.
Re-recruit your best people. Uncertainty brought about by change often makes them receptive to outside enticements.
Encourage risk-taking and initiative. Make it clear that you will tolerate mistakes as long as there is thoughtful effort, and action-orientation toward improvement.
Protect your service quality, and reaffirm your supplier partnerships. Stay close to customers (someone else wants their business!). Client satisfaction is your top priority even as change might be occurring internally.
A leader's job is to make others succeed, and to feel that their contribution means something.
Happy New Year, and here's to a prosperous 2012!
No comments:
Post a Comment