Stepping Stones To Being A Better Leader
We all know that being a leader is a big challenging. On the face of it, leading in itself should not be that difficult but the reality in practice is that it is a challenge. Unlike many areas there is no guaranteed blueprint that will work every time in any situation. At the same time I honestly believe that there are some stepping stones to becoming an even better leader.
The first thing on my list of stepping stones is being clear about what you want to achieve as a leader. Getting the clarity about what you want to achieve is vital. It helps you decide where and how to invest your time. It helps you make choices. It helps you to move others towards the destination you are seeking to reach.
Secondly, be clear about what you want to have a reputation for. In other words what type of leader do you want to be known as? For example, do you want to be the leader who inspires or motivates others and takes interest in others success or are you someone who just wants the job done and takes no interest in anyone apart from themselves?
Thirdly, let go of the need to have the last word on everything. Leaders who fall into this category are often poor listeners. As a result they don’t take on the feedback of others and may well miss out on opportunities to innovate and improve things.
Fourthly, do what you do best. I am always amazed when I see people doing things when it is crystal clear to everyone apart from them that they are not the best person to do something. Focus your time and energies on what you do best.
Fifthly, get others doing what they do best. Every member of your team has something unique to offer in terms of either skills or attributes. Your job as the leader is to discover what these skills and attributes and get others to do what they do best.
My sixth and final tip is to get the help and support that you need to get even better. Being a leader is tough and often a very lonely existence. You need to get in place some support to help you along and keeping you going when it gets tough. Don’t wait until you are crisis to get the help and support you need.
Duncan Brodie helps accountants build brilliant careers.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.