by Richard Brody
After, over four decades of professional involvement, in nearly, everything, related to, effectively, leading, from identifying and qualifying, to training, developing, and consulting to thousands of actual, and/ or, potential leaders, to serving, personally, as a leader, various/ several times, I strongly believe, the first, few things, someone does, once becoming a leader, often, determines the possibilities, for his future success, and, hopefully, meaningful service and representation! Too often, some, well – intentioned, individuals, end – up, wasting valuable time, and opportunities, because, they are ill – prepared, for beginning! With, that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, the first six things, effective leaders, must do.
1. Create the finest inner – circle: What, one seeks, in his inner – circle, of trusted advisors, often, determines, his ultimate potential, and performance! Many select, only, so – called, yes – men, who always agree, with his original perspectives, but, this process, fails to permit, open – minded, opportunities – oriented, leadership, and ends – up, perpetuating, the same – old, same – old, approaches, and limits possibilities! The wisest leaders realize that, and seek, as their team, people, with genuine, absolute integrity, combined with special skills, and knowledge, and the necessary courage, and self – confidence, to articulate, clearly, their reasoning, positions, perspective, in an intelligent, cooperative way! This is, perhaps, the only way, to maximize achieving, a common sense, set of actions, and processes, to make a difference, for the better!
2. Thorough strategic planning: Many groups claim, and, perhaps, truly, believe, they perform strategic planning, when all they actually, do, is resort to blaming and complaining, or, failing to face the facts, and wearing rose – colored glasses! A thorough, strategic plan, must begin with an understanding of the specific group’s heritage, history, ideology, and mission, and consider, whether, it remains relevant, or needs to be tweaked! This means, the committee must examine, where the organization has been, where it is, whether it needs some changes (without, reinventing, the wheel), or a thorough, overhaul, where it wants to be, in the immediate, intermediate, and longer – run! It is essential to ensure, it does not, become, a mere, gripe – session, which is destructive, and counter – productive!
3. Relevant, well – developed, action plan, with contingency planning: At the beginning of one’s tenure, he must use, what was learned, from strategic planning, and perceive and conceive of, create, develop, and implement, the most relevant, fully – considered, action plan! Since, there is no such thing, as one – size – fits – all, when it comes to doing this, every effort must be made to customize it, and ensure, it is the best course, forward, for the specific group, at this point – in – time! Action plans must include, not only, the so – called, Plan A, but a variety of contingency plans, to maximize sustainability, and quality!
4. Table of Responsibilities: Using the appropriate individuals, from one’s inner – circle, planning must include, a detailed, table of responsibilities, for every aspect, as well as a timeline, and a way, to check, carefully, progress, and whether, an alternative approach, may be needed and necessary!
5. Get stakeholders involved/ inspired/ motivated: Only, when one articulates his message, reasoning/ rationale, and what he seeks, clearly, and in an inspiring, motivating way, will he achieved, the essential component, of greater stakeholder involvement, and commitment!
6. Pragmatic idealism/ Meeting – of – the – minds: Beware, the dangers of blind – idealism, because, only, when, one is pragmatic, in his approach, will he get things done! Holding out for a particular approach, even, if it is the best path, often, achieves little, if it isn’t achieved! The ultimate goal of this process, must be, to achieve, a meeting – of – the – minds, for the greater good!
If you wish to be a leader, commit to, at least, these 6 steps, from the onset! Are you prepared for the tasks, responsibilities, and commitments?
About the author
Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead
