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So, What the Heck is a Leader?
A leader is selected by his superiors as the person capable of utilizing the
best method for handling a situation. A leader has the ability to effectively
motivate people; and the ability to effectively plan, organize and control
available resources...and Leadership? Leadership is the art of influencing human
behaviour so as to accomplish the mission in a manner desired by the leader.
Ten Principles of Leadership
1. Achieve Professional Competence
Obtain a detailed knowledge of your job. Continue the education process by
taking relevant courses, and by independent reading, research and study. Seek
out and foster associations with capable leaders in your organization, and then
observe and study their actions. Broaden your general knowledge base by
associating with personnel from other departments within your organization who
have different occupational specialties. Be proactive by seeking opportunities
to apply your new-found and already existing knowledge. Keep informed by reading
relevant trade publications, papers, manuals, etc. Avoid specialization in any
one field; and, always be prepared to carry out the job of the leader.
2. Appreciate your own Strengths & Limitations and Pursue Self-Improvement
Analyze yourself objectively to determine the strong and weak points of your
character. Seek honest opinions of peers and superiors in this regard. Profit by
studying your mistakes – and the causes for the success or failure of other
leaders. Don’t try to re-invent the wheel. Know when you are in over your head,
and plan to never be there again. Always have a definite goal in mind and plan
to attain it.
3. Seek & Accept Responsibility
Seek/accept responsibility for your actions. Learn the duties of your immediate
superior and be prepared to assume those responsibilities whenever required.
Seek diversified leadership positions. Accept constructive criticism and admit
your mistakes. Display the courage of your convictions. Carefully evaluate a
subordinate’s failure before taking action. In the absence of orders or
organization, seize the initiative.
4. Lead by Example
Be mentally alert, well groomed, smartly and correctly dressed at all times.
Master your emotions; avoid loss of temper and fits of depression. Maintain an
optimistic outlook. Use your initiative and encourage your subordinates to do
the same. Be loyal to those below you as well as to those above. Avoid coarse
behaviour, vulgarity and profanity. Be just and impartial in awarding punishment
and rewards. Never – ever – show favouritism! Obey orders issued by your own
superiors; work hard; and, avoid complaining. Be mindful of setting unconscious
examples for your subordinates. Become well informed – if uncertain about
something, ask. Remain calm and courageous. Maintain honesty in all relations.
Don’t engage in horseplay. At business functions or receptions, drink in
moderation if you drink at all.
5. Issue Clear and Concise Orders and then Lead Others towards Accomplishment
of those Orders
Ensure your subordinates know your meaning and intent of your orders. , and then
lead them to the accomplishment of the mission. Be sure the need for an order
exists. Develop an ability to think clearly and then issue clear, concise orders
that cannot be misunderstood. Encourage your subordinates to seek clarification
of any points in your orders that they don’t understand. If you think it
necessary, question your personnel to determine if there are any doubts or
misunderstandings. Let your subordinates know what you expect of them. Make the
resources your personnel need to accomplish the mission available. Supervise the
execution of your orders by frequent visits to your subordinates. Ensure your
personnel receive encouragement and the necessary guidance; and, deal firmly
with personnel who fall down on the job through negligence.
6. Know your Personnel & Promote their Welfare
Develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of your subordinates through
personal contact and records. See your people and let them see you – be friendly
and approachable. Ensure fair and equitable distribution of rewards and equal
and adequate leave/time off privileges. Encourage individual development. Share
the hardships – if any - with your personnel.
7. Develop the Leadership Potential of your Followers
Tell your subordinates what to do, not how to do it and hold them responsible
for the results. Give your people opportunities to perform duties at the next
higher level. Be quick to recognize initiative or resourcefulness. Correct
errors in the use of judgment and initiative in such a way as to encourage the
person. Encourage your subordinates to develop courage and pride in themselves.
Ensure your people know the required qualifications for promotion. Give advice
when requested by your subordinates.
8. Make Sound & Timely Decisions
Develop a logical and orderly thought process. Plan for every foreseeable event.
When feasible, discuss issues with other experienced supervisors. When feasible,
consider the advice and/or suggestions of your subordinates before making a
decision. Announce decisions in time, and don’t put off necessary decisions.
9. Train your Personnel as a Team and Employ them up to their Capabilities
Ensure all training has a purpose. Acquaint your unit with the capabilities and
limitations of other units or elements of the company/organisation. Base your
team training on current, probable or realistic conditions. Explain to each
person their responsibilities and their importance of their role in the
effectiveness of the cell in which they are employed.
10. Keep your Subordinates Informed of the Current Mission/Assignment, the
Changing Situation and the Overall Picture.
Explain why tasks must be done, and the role of your section/department in the
big picture. Ensure that supervisors pass on necessary information to the other
personnel. Be alert to detect and stop the spread of unhealthy rumours. Build
morale and ‘esprit de corps’ by publicizing information concerning the successes
of your cell or department. Keep your subordinates informed about current orders
and regulations affecting pay, promotion, privileges and other benefits.
Follow Me!
Study the paragraphs above; internalize the ‘Ten Principles of Leadership’ plus
their sub-components, and the words, ‘Follow me’ will come out of your mouth
with confidence. You may also find yourself find yourself being promoted into
even higher leadership positions within your organization.
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