Leadership as a Dialogue
Effective leadership is not a monologue; it’s a dialogue. A good leader tunes in to the wavelength of their team, fostering open communication and understanding. Here are key messages that successful leaders convey:
- Vision and Execution:
- A good leader has a clear vision for the organization.
- They possess the skills to translate that vision into action.
- Context and Compassion:
- Compassion, in this context, means understanding and caring about team members.
- Creating a positive emotional tone is essential.
The Visionary Leader
Having a vision is paramount. In fact, 82% of senior managers have a definite vision for their organization. But it’s not enough to communicate the vision – you must also inspire others to rally behind it.
Action-Oriented and Focused
Forward-looking leaders excel because they:
- Stay focused on goals
- Take decisive action
The Credibility Factor
Credibility is the bedrock of effective leadership. Leaders build credibility by:
- Demonstrating expertise
- Being authentic
- Keeping promises
- Listening actively
- Being mindful of body language
DWYSYWD: “Do What You Say You Will Do” is a mantra for credible leaders. Taking responsibility and being accountable are non-negotiable.
Seeking Better Ways
Effective leaders constantly ask:
- “Is there a better way?”
- “Why?”
- “How?”
These questions drive innovation and growth.
In summary, leadership is about relationships, vision, credibility, and accountability. By embodying these traits and strategies, you can elevate your leadership game and create a positive impact on your team and organization.
To learn more about being a leader who creates a positive impact, listen to Talk Like a Leader: What Every Employee Needs to Hear, presented by Diana Durek. And you can get started with the program behind this webinar, Talk Like a Leader Customizable Courseware. Available as classroom training, as well as a self-study e-learning program, Talk Like a Leader is part of the Reproducible Training Library, a full suite of unlimited-use content that’s downloadable, customizable, and reproducible. Easy to edit in both Microsoft Word and PowerPoint files, this training solution is an affordable, one-time purchase and yours to reproduce as needed.
