I began learning about leadership without realizing it. Observing leaders, I saw what I thought were good and bad techniques. In those days, blessed with the wisdom of youth, I thought more was bad than good. With experience, I realized what I had thought was bad often was a leader adapting to an unfavorable, yet unavoidable situation. What I thought was good was sometimes a leader taking the easy way out.
So, from years of observing and doing, I developed some leadership rules that I feel are absolutely inviolate. It’s hazardous to say there are no exceptions to a rule, but for these rules, I have found none. As you read you may say, “Hey, that’s obvious.” If so, great! You’re probably one of the more successful leaders, but there are plenty for whom this isn’t obvious.
So here they are. Break them at your own peril!
1. Always have a plan – Know what you’re supposed to be doing.
That probably sounds a little silly and you may be saying “That’s the best he can do?” I’ve been amazed at how many leaders take on the mantle of leadership without really knowing what they’re supposed to do or where they are supposed to lead. Good leaders know where they want to go and where they want to take the organization. They have good personal and organizational strategic plans.
2. Know your values and stick to them.
Hopefully, your organization’s strategic plan includes a list of values that underpin mission accomplishment. Make sure you’re abiding by them. More importantly, know and live by your personal values. If they conflict with the organization’s values, resolve that conflict.
3. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate.
The three C’s of leadership! For some reason, people in leadership positions seem to think that if they know, all is well. Why can’t your subordinates know the what and why? Yes, there are things that must stay confidential, but I bet not everything warrants that type of security. It’s vital to understand what the boss expects. Let your people know where you want to go and how they are part of reaching those goals. People will generally do what they’re instructed without knowing much about why. But, when they know why, and understand their part, they will do what they’re instructed to do better and with more enthusiasm.
4. Know yourself — Be yourself.
I’m not suggesting existentialism, just a little self-awareness. You must know where you have skills and talent and where you don’t. Subordinates will not be fooled by a false front. They may think you a fool though.
5. Be loyal.
New leaders are often told that it is important to be loyal to the boss, to respect the chain of command. Yet those who issue that guidance often forget loyalty in the other direction. Your subordinates deserve your undying commitment and that’s the best way to obtain their loyalty.
Practice the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Notice there is no disclaimer for leaders.
6. Lead a balanced life and take care of yourself.
This is likely the most cited yet most violated rule of leadership. Everyone knows we should take care of ourselves, but there seems to be a badge of honor associated with working more hours than anyone else, sleeping less, and not eating right. I’ve studied leadership for many years and have never found instructions to destroy yourself on the way to success. I have; however, met many leaders who apparently did find this instruction somewhere.
If you’ve achieved a leadership position, you probably have a strong sense of commitment. It’s easy to let it overwhelm you and spend every waking moment working, or thinking about work. The end result will most likely be burnout. One day you’ll realize your family is gone, your boss doesn’t think you can handle any increased responsibility, and you have health problems that a person your age shouldn’t have. You can now look back on your life and realize…you blew it!
7. Know your people.
This is hard! Some of your subordinates don’t want you to know them. Some want you to know more about their lives than you ever wanted to. You don’t need to know every detail but make every effort to know as much as possible. You rely on these people to make things happen and the more you know about them, the more effective that relationship will be.
There they are. Seven rules that will help you be a successful leader. They may seem simple, and in concept they are. In practice though, they can be difficult. Here’s a bonus; an encouraging word for a discouraging truth. You will not always get it right. You will, at some point, find yourself violating one of these rules to the detriment of your organization or one of your subordinates. It happens. Pick yourself up, learn from the experience, and move on. How do you think I learned some of this?
