How to be An Effective and Not a Defective Leader

Leadership isn't a fine art. It isn't a gift that inspirational people are born with. Leadership is a clearly definable skill that can be learned and when applied consistently will motivate your staff to great productivity. Look in the mirror. When you think about your own personal leadership style are you a leader that you would follow?  If not, then maybe it's time to focus on the basic skills that any person in a leadership position can learn and succeed with.

Effective leaders don't dictate to people and expect their orders to be followed without question or complaint. They help people by facilitating the support they need and by helping them in the direction. It's extremely important for an effective leader to meet with their team members individually and find out what they need to be successful.

Effective leaders are always honest and ethical. They live by the same standards they set for their employees and always tell the truth. They share information when they can, so that their team feels like a team. Keeping everyone involved engenders a sense of togetherness and purpose that keeps people inspired.

Effective managers don't get in the way. They help people define goals and direction then they let people do their jobs and they stay out of their way. Micromanaging never works. No one can do everything themselves and if you try to do everyone's job for them, then you will fail at yours. No one can do 10 jobs at once. Your job is to help them do theirs.

Effective managers are always positive. They look for things that people are doing right and give praise for them. They are always enthusiastic and upbeat and they look for ways to keep their employees inspired.

Effective managers use mistakes as opportunities. They NEVER embarrass people, but they use mistakes as opportunities to make people better at their jobs. They always offer this constructive criticism in private.

Effective managers make sure they include everyone and they keep employees involved in decision making. People are more likely to buy in to decisions that they are a part of and if they buy in then they will be more motivated and productive.

Would you follow yourself? If not, then maybe these basics of leadership are in order. Don't dictate, be honest, don't get in the way, be positive, use mistakes as opportunities and include everyone. Simple but powerful steps to a motivated and productive workforce.

Charlie Bentson King is a writer and producer of motivational training videos for TrainingABC. TrainingABC is a distributor of motivational programs such as Celebrate What's Right with the World, Give em the Pickle and Would I Follow Me?