What successful leaders do well
SUCCESSFUL leadership is an art that demands a combination of knowledge, skill and specific practices to achieve its fullest potential.
Successful leaders follow a set of outlined practices that enhance their abilities and lead to successful outcomes.
Here are some of these intentional practices.
Availability
Successful leadership adheres to the law of availability, which states that a leader must be available for any important, urgent and vital task that requires their attention.
Whenever a task is part of a leader’s overall responsibilities and demands their presence and productivity, successful leaders show up.
Successful leaders plan ahead and schedule their time in such a way that they are available to attend to matters of importance.
The presence of a leader is essential to inspire progress within an organisation through their availability.
Anticipated vision
Successful leaders are committed to realising the corporate vision and taking responsibility for ensuring that it is achieved at all costs.
Leaders with the right skill set are always able to align their team with the vision, delegate responsibilities based on skill and capabilities, and work towards the fulfillment of the vision.
It is the responsibility of the leaders to cast the vision and ensure its successful implementation within the organisation.
Leaders who are successful never exclude themselves from this task as it is one of their key mandates.
They are the ones who work tirelessly to fulfill the vision of the organisation and lead their team toward achieving it.
Appointment awareness Successful leaders understand the importance of building a strong team by being intentional about who they invite to join.
They recognise the value of diversity in experience and expertise and actively seek out individuals who can contribute unique perspectives and skills to benefit the team.
Moreover, they exercise reasonable oversight and influence over the selection and appointment process, adhering to accepted norms and practices.
Successful leaders know that a team can make or break their success, and they are careful to select individuals who align with the organisation’s culture, values and mission.
It is essential that they are aware of the skills and attributes each team member brings to the table, and how they can collectively work towards achieving the team’s goals.
Ultimately, a successful leader understands that the strength of their team is the key to their own success, and they put in the effort to build a high-performing team that can deliver results.
Appraisal and recognition Successful leaders are known for their hands-on approach to showing heartfelt appreciation to team members who are doing their job well.
They do not wait for an annual review to acknowledge team members ‘ hard work.
Instead, they put systems in place to reward and recognise team members regularly, ensuring that everyone feels valued and appreciated for their contributions.
Moreover, successful leaders take the time to appraise their team members with intent, providing feedback that is constructive, insightful, and motivational. They understand that effective communication is key to building trust and driving greater success.
Successful leaders have an eye for excellence and are quick to recognise and reward those who go above and beyond to add value to the corporate vision.
They are not afraid to go off their way to show their appreciation personally, whether it’s in the form of a handwritten note, a small gift, or a public shout-out.
Successful leaders understand that leadership is not about being in the limelight but rather about letting team members shine.
They are comfortable sometimes to be in the shadow, providing support, guidance, and encouragement from behind the scenes.
By doing so, they create a culture of excellence, trust, and collaboration that inspires everyone to do their very best.
Appropriate discipline and people development
Successful leaders are unafraid to confront team members who are not contributing to the success of the overall team. They implement systems to deal with incompetence, lack of excellence, and ill-discipline. It is their responsibility to ensure that everyone pulls their weight to achieve the overall vision. They are not hesitant to address a culture of laziness or any unbecoming behaviour that could jeopardise the success of the entire team.
Successful leaders prioritise intentional training and development of team members.
They place a high value on the personal growth and development of their people.
Accustomed to crisis and confidential matters
Successful leaders are those who approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset.
They are not afraid of crises because they are wired to anticipate them and provide or seek solutions.
These individuals also possess the ability to handle confidential matters for team members with integrity and respect, treating such information with the highest level of professionalism.
In addition, successful leaders recognise the authority they hold and use it wisely to positively impact those who serve beside and under them.
They understand that their position comes with great responsibility and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those they lead.
These leaders also know how to balance between people and paperwork, valuing relationships beyond just paperwork.
They understand that the success of any organisation depends not only on the efficient handling of paperwork but also on the relationships that are fostered within it. If you are a Christian leader interested in developing your leadership skills, we would like to invite you to a leadership programme orientation session on April 20th.
During this session, you will learn more about the skills and qualities that successful leaders possess, and gain valuable insights into how you can develop these skills within yourself.
To register, simply send your name, position and church via WhatsApp to 7837-1391.