- Be an inspirational and persuasive communicator. Having the ability to rally the troops with a few carefully chosen words is an art form that needs to be nurtured.
- Consider yourself as a professional parent. Understanding what motivates staff is key to maximising their productivity. If you show a genuine interest in your work colleagues, they will reward you ten fold.
- Be transparent. You work closely with the people around you. They will intuitively sense if you are hiding something from them. This doesn’t work for governments or organisations either, so let people know the truth so that you can work on a strategy together.
- Unless you have a compelling reason to quit a project, see it through to the end. History books are filled with determined leaders.
- Show grace under pressure and keep your head when all around you are losing theirs. Confidence is essential but arrogance will be your downfall. Don’t get them confused.
- Stay current. Social media has simultaneously connected us more as individuals and physically isolated us. Venture into the outside world and talk to people at industry meetings and peer communities. Encourage your staff to do the same.
- Punctuality. If you are late for a meeting, you are a thief. Apart from the disrespectful nature of the act, you are stealing the most precious resource from the person you are hoping to do business with…their time. And don’t think they won’t remember.
- Having a bad day is your choice. It’s all in the framing. Take responsibility for your responses.
- Exercise and meditate. No really, it makes a significant difference to your mental clarity and your waist measurement.
- Walk your talk, inside and out. Would James Bond have a coffee stain on his shirt? Distinguish yourself, lead by example.
- Have a strategy and be resourceful. An idea without a plan is a dream.
- Optimism is contagious. Your colleagues and staff will be enthused and energised by a leader who has a positive vision for the future.
- Actively invest in research and development. If a cell isn’t growing, it’s dying.
- Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from challenges. It’s also a required trait to endure and succeed in today’s economy.
- Authenticity and integrity. Let’s throw honesty in there as well. Challenge whether you really think this is necessary in order to be successful. Compromising your values for short term gain is dangerous.
If you would like to hone your leadership skills, contact us on +61 2 9661 5667 or info@leadershipnouveau.com.au