2011 NEW YEAR RESOLUTION: TO BE A MORE EFFECTIVE LEADER
By Dr Lynda Wee

As we usher in 2011, it’s also time to set new year resolution. In the corporate world, many may wish to be more effective leaders. How does one go about doing so?

According to Donald H. McGannon, “leadership is action, not position”. An effective leader is a person who takes an ordinary company or team of people and transforms it into one that produces, sustains and scales extraordinary results, above their norms. He is passion-driven, result-oriented and always looks after the best interest of his people and company. He displays unwavering resolve and commitment to do whatever needs to be done to make his company great because he simply couldn’t imagine doing it any other way.

Try these 8 effective leadership habits:

1. Hires the right people
Leader knows that his talent gives him the competitive edge. According to Jim Collins in his book, “Good to Great”, leader focuses on seeking the right people to strengthen his management bench strength. “First who, then what” states that a leader shall start with the right people, ask them the right questions, engage them in discussion and they will find the right things to do that will make the company great.

Leo Rosten says that “first rate people hire first rate people. Second rate people hire third rate people”. Effective leader is not afraid of hiring people better than himself. He focuses on building the right gene pool for his company to make it great.

2. Develops People
Leader creates more leaders, not more followers in a motivating environment. According to Bob Eaton, “a leader is someone who can take a group of people to a place they don’t think they can go”. To do so, he needs to understand them, their existing capabilities, potentials and their motivation. He provides opportunities, develops, empowers, engages, coaches and motivates them to achieve their goals. He is empathetic, listens with understanding and provides regular feedback to help them improve. In return, he earns their trust.

3. Builds relationships
Leader builds and maintains an extensive network of colleagues and strategic partners. He taps on diversity by promoting the development of positive working relationships within and across teams.

4. Communicates 360°
Leader communicates 360° namely: with his subordinates, peers and superiors as well as external partners and other stakeholders. He has the bandwidth to communicate to diverse groups of people in order to understand them as well as to be understood. This is critical especially when Kenneth Blanchard says that “the key to successful leadership today is influence not authority”. And communication is one way to influence the others.

5. Leads with shared vision
Leader makes meaning that inspires the others to be a part of it. He energizes others with his telescopic perspective of opportunities, challenges and possibilities. Together, they create a compelling shared vision. By involving his team in formulating the shared vision, there is better understanding and buy-in since they are engaged in the visioning task.

6. Drives change
Leader challenges status quo and initiates proactive and constructive change so that his company stays responsive. He scans for opportunities and drives change for the better. He engages in strategic thinking and constantly seeks ideas to grow his company. He promotes and develops winning ideas. He purges irrelevant activities that do not add value to his company.

7. Achieves results
Leader needs telescopic and microscopic skills. After mapping the big picture, he needs to create commitment from the others by formulating an action plan to fulfill the vision. While he may delegate tasks to his team, he does not delegate responsibility for achieving results. He allocates resources, provides direction, sets stretch goals, monitors progress, intervenes to remove barriers and coaches to achieve results.

8. Be a lifelong learner
Leader is committed to continuous lifelong learning to improve himself. He does not settle for mediocrity. He lives with integrity and leads by example. His thinking and behaviour are aligned to his company mission, vision and values.

The leader is always a reflection of the company at the helm. His attitude, values and commitment drive the actions of others in the company. People are watching what their leaders do and will naturally follow. It is not surprising then that the fish rots from the head.

Happy trying! Happy New Year!

Best wishes,
Dr Lynda Wee