H/T: Susan L. Colantuono, Leading Women
There are many traits that constitute and effective leader. While all of these traits are important in leaders of all genders, women seem to need to embody them more so. As Susan Colantuono defines it, “Leadership is using the greatness in you to achieve and sustain extraordinary outcomes by engaging the greatness in others.” Here are four ways to more effectively achieve those goals.
Solving Problems Effectively:
Before one can engage in decision making, one must first utilize problem solving. Problem solving is the stage in which information is gathered, analyzed, and considered. This is difficult to get right, but vital to being a good leader. This leadership trait speaks to “using the greatness in you.” One has to be able to consider individual problems in the context of the larger picture and take the goal of the business into account.
Operating with a Strong Results Orientation:
Leadership is about not only developing and communicating a vision and setting objectives but also following through to achieve results. Leaders who excel at this skill tend to emphasize the importance of efficiency and productivity and to value high-quality work. This skill focuses on the “achieve and sustain extraordinary outcomes” portion of the leadership definition. It is again important to consider all results within the framework of the larger goal of the company.
Seeking Different Perspectives:
Leaders who do well on this aspect typically base their decisions on sound analysis and avoid the many biases to which decisions are prone. This is the ability to “engage the greatness in others.” It’s important for a leader to be able to analyze problems and solutions from all possible angles.
Supporting Others:
Good leaders are able to sense and understand how their co-workers, subordinates, and supervisors are feeling. By showing authenticity and a sincere interest in those around them, they build trust and inspire and help colleagues to overcome challenges. Managers who embody this trait are great at helping out in the areas where help is needed and can often diffuse tension before it builds into a larger conflict. This is again “engaging the greatness in others.” This is important to keep the group focused on the “big picture” goals of the organization.
Brandi-Ann Moore, PEI
