Thursday, June 21, 2012

7 Habits of Exceptional Leaders

7. 
He understands the expertise and accolades that got him into his current position aren't the same skillset needed to be effective in the new leadership position.

6.
She practices the regular "walkabout" to learn how employees live out the work day. 
This is not to check on them, but to enhance relationships and understanding. 
(Ever work for a boss who holed up in her office all day and never appeared except to impart reproaches and bad news?)

5. 
He never forgets that his walk will far outweigh his talk. 
Smart leaders know that employees are more likely to be guided by 
close observations of the boss's actions. 
(Ever work for a manager who insisted on courteous behavior towards customers, then denigrated staff for minor transgressions? Pontificated about punctuality and a high work ethic, only to habitually come in late and leave early for personal reasons?)

4.
She's unfailingly courteous. She — or her proxies — promptly return calls and email. 
She's not so besotted with her own position that the basic thank-you note 
has fallen beneath her, and even if she's the most powerful person at the conference table, she will thank others for their time.

3. 
He constantly works at becoming a better listener.
Effective leaders will listen fully to your point of view, even if they disagree.

2.
She knows how to turn stated values into daily habits — 
not merely for her organization, but for herself first.

And the #1:
He's not so arrogant that he dismisses professional opinions and advisory from staff, 
at the same time he's seeking the same from peers, experts, specialists, and consultants.

What about you? 
Which qualities do you find most inspiring or engaging among the great leaders you've known? As a leader yourself, what works for you in motivating staff?

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