Thoughts on leadership

Thoughts for leadership….from someone you might be leading:

• Share your vision! It gives me a framework in which I can brainstorm and dream too. I want to know where I’m headed and how I can be best used. Make your vision become our vision!
• Clear expectations and organization–What do you expect from me? How are we going to achieve the vision? Make a map—and share it!
• Respect, respect, respect–You are no better than me, so don’t act as if you are. You have different strengths and weaknesses….and so do I. You may be gifted in leadership, but I am gifted in other areas. Every piece is important. Respect me and who I am and you will discover and utilize those gifts.
• Trust and empower–I want to feel that I am contributing. I want to be trusted, not micromanaged.
• Honest evaluations–I may not always like it, but I appreciate and respect more if you are honest with me. Encourage what I do right and help me improve where I need help.
• Integrity and honesty! Integrity and honesty!
• Don’t assume knowledge…but don’t assume ignorance either!
• Know what you are doing…or admit that you don’t! I will have more respect for you if you don’t try to “fake it” because you are too proud to admit you don’t have a clue! Admitting you don’t know simply means we need to find answers and learn. The best leaders don’t know it all…but they know how to find out.
• Before making program decisions, get input from those affected–I may have a reason why I do things a certain way or I may be able to suggest other acceptable options. The last thing I want is to be blindsided with changes that make no sense, yet I am expected to follow. You are the leader and see the big picture, but I am on the ground. Both perspectives are critical for decisions. We may not agree and your decision may even already be made, but I will feel that I am a part of the team (which empowers and helps me commit).
• Respect, respect, respect!
• Tell those affected by change first!–If a change affects me, I want to hear it from you, not through the grapevine. Not only does that show respect for me, but it avoids putting those who know in incredibly awkward positions.
• Delegate, don’t dictate!
• Honoring your position and honoring you are two different things–I can be commanded to do anything. When I honor your position, I do what you ask. When I honor you, I commit to the vision and the journey through you.

I don’t need public recognition or empty compliments, but I want to feel that I am making a difference. Your success as a leader depends on my success as someone that you are leading…together the vision is within reach and can be achieved.