Leading at the top of your game is a common aspiration of us all. However, in almost every profession or industry, the shifts required in leader behavior during today’s times can be unnerving. The most progressive, adaptive and resilient organizations are pushing beyond just understanding leadership theories and styles to a new focus on “leadership in action.”
Leadership in action requires assessing the situational and environmental dynamics around you and making an instantaneous decision on the best course of action. Most leaders find that this is easier said than done and are at a loss on how to up-level their acumen to do so. Given that pinpointing where to focus on developing your leadership skills can be daunting, I’m going to give you some insight on where to start your upskilling journey.
There are seven leadership tactics that provide tremendous value, influence and impact when leading any team or initiative:
One key success factor of effective leaders is their drive to become super smart in their area(s) of expertise. The magic of intellectual horsepower involves using your acquired skills and knowledge for good. Ask yourself what is going on in your profession, company or industry that is ripe for disruption or could deliver improvements in operations that would positively impact the bottom line. When you see a way to make a difference, don’t hold back. Your idea could create a new job, save a life or be the solution others are literally dying for!
The ability to navigate constant change and controversial decisions is a norm for leaders. The tactic of leading with courageous agility is all about remaining firm on your convictions, even when others disagree or have a different perspective. Start now to become sharp on your beliefs, values, virtue, valor and levels of resolve. Once you do, it will build your grit, which is the passion to persevere in a way that will compel others to follow your lead.
What leader is not required to ensure the most sound decisions are made? Strategic decision-making involves making good decisions or leading a good decision-making process, based on top strategic goals and priorities. Two simple but powerful questions to always ask during decision-making are, “Where do we want to go/what do we want to do?” and “How do we want to get there?”
Did you know that you can create your own entrepreneurial initiatives within your organization or employer? Intrapreneurship is an effort which builds your organization by identifying new opportunities to develop or improve operations, products or services. Increasing your aptitude to recognize and solve important problems is a critical ability of any effective leader. Ask yourself, “What do I want to create that doesn’t exist but needs to? Where is there a hole of opportunity that I am passionate about filling?”
Ever wonder why some people seem to get so much more completed than others? It’s likely that they prioritize driving for results, which is being persistent and tenacious in ensuring that goals are achieved. The best leaders never confuse motion with results. Assume responsibility for achievement, challenge others to do the same and persist despite obstacles. This is more easily accomplished by ignoring all the things you could do and doing what you should do.
Have you ever been captivated by a leader who has “swagger”? Swagger is hard to define, but we know it when we see it, right? Executive presence occurs when a person makes clear and convincing oral and/or written presentations in order to influence and lead others. The dynamics behind being convincing include demonstrating a mix of intelligence, charisma, passion, confidence, determination, humor, integrity and humility. Up-level your own executive presence by becoming more skilled in your own mix of the aforementioned traits.
There is no way to become a great leader without becoming skilled at dealing with a diversity of people and perspectives. Assessing interpersonal dynamics and operating effectively in a variety of social situations is the core of how individuals build stakeholder savvy. Stakeholder savvy is a mix of social intelligence (understanding the norms that govern a social situation) and political acumen (understanding the internal and external politics that impact social situations). Master these two and you will find yourself with a network of strategic supporters who are invested in helping you succeed.
All seven of these leadership tactics are equally valuable tools to help you become renowned for your leadership ability. You will likely use a mix of them in any leadership effort. Start by focusing on one or two for your personal development, and if you do, you will be accomplishing more than 90% of your peers. Remember, you are only one move away from leading at the top of your game. So, what’s your next move?
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