Be Successful-Become a Leader

Posted by Mick Kopp | June 17, 2008 .

You either lead others or you are lead by others.  We need both leaders and followers in order to get things done.  If you are a leader, or you want to be a leader, then use the qualities below to help you turn into a great one.

1. Planning

A great leader always plans for the future.  Decide on where you want to head and set your goals accordingly.  Once you achieve your current goals, be quick to set your new ones.

2. Innovation

Always think through problems and try new ideas.  Don’t be afraid to fail at something new.  Start looking at failure as another successful step in the right direction.

3. Dedication

You must believe in what you are doing if you want to be successful at your work. Do your best to focus on where you are, here and now. Be prepared to stick with your projects until the end. Sometimes you’ll succeed, and sometimes you won’t.

4. Fairness

If you want people to respect you and what you are doing, you must treat them all the same.  This can be quite challenging when you have people that are naturally harder working and more friendly than others.  Use a system that’s fair to promote great people.  A company policy and procedures manual will help you define that system.  Don’t pick favorites, but do recognize great leadership potential.

5. An open door policy

That doesn’t really mean that you have to keep your door open all the time.  It just simply means to be available to talk with your people.  If someone has a great idea or a problem, make it known that you will hear them out.

6. Attention to detail

You’ve heard the expression, “the devil is in the details”.  It’s the attention to the little things that need to be done that seem to make the most difference.  Like reading the fine print for example.

7. Positive Mental Attitude

A positive mental attitude helps you to create new relationships and continue cultivating your old ones.  Everyone knows that people with positive attitudes are more likable.  By having a positive mental attitude you will be able to inspire, motivate and gain the respect of the people who follow you.

8. Empowerment

Uncage great people!   A great leader knows, that in order to attract and retain great people, you must empower them to do their own work.  Help them to help you by listening to their ideas.  Take some calculated risks with your people.  Include them in your plans.  Give them the tools they need, and then set them free.  Read more about empowerment here.

9. Humbleness

A great leader must know when to admit they are wrong.  If you mess up, you should be quick to admit it.  You will gain the respect of those who follow you, by becoming more human to them.  Also, if you own your mistakes, those that follow you will be more apt to own theirs, too.

10. Going above and beyond

Your actions will always speak louder than words. You must have a knack for doing more than is asked of you.  Whether it means working longer, harder, smarter, or just wrapping up the smallest of details before finishing a project.  This is really the essence of a great person and a great leader.

11. Self-mastery

A person that is not able to control themselves will not make a great or even good leader.  You must have some self-control. Some examples are arriving at work on time, keeping your hands off your employees, controlling your temper, controlling your use of drugs and alcohol.  You are a great leader when you try to set a good example.  Smart people will try to mimic your actions and will have respect for you.

12. Passion

If you have passion for what you do, your work will seem less like work and more like pleasure.  The most successful leaders know this.  They get a great sense of accomplishment in everything they do, because they love it so much.  Do something that you are passionate about, and that passion will fill others with a burning desire to help you.

13. Eagerness to learn

You must read about what others are doing in your industry.  Talk to others in your industry.  Be open to new ideas, even if they aren’t yours.

14. Sincere appreciation

This is simple.  Tell people how much you appreciate what they are doing for you.  Try to do it when they least expect it.  That is when praise is the most powerful.

15. Pro-activity

We all tend to do things that seem urgent, but aren’t important.  Choose to do things before they become emergencies.  Take action everyday towards being proactive.  It’s a lot easier to do things to prevent emergencies than to catch up once you are behind due to one.

Now I’m going to let you off the hook.  You don’t have to remember all of these to be a successful leader.  You can become a great leader anytime you want by following this:

“A great leader has the ability and willingness to do what others cannot or will not do.”-Mick Kopp

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