(This is the 5th and final in the series.)

To be an effective leader in 2020, you must:

C – Clarify and simplify the work

A – Align and organize team members

R – Allocation Resources to align with objectives

E – Evolve and grow your team members

S – Set the direction for your organization

 

5. Set the direction for your organization

A leader has an incredible opportunity to establish the direction of the organization and to manage the various resources to guide the pursuit of this direction.  As a leader, you set the direction:

  • Through your words – By clarifying the vision and mission of your organization and communicating it ad nauseum  (that means “a lot”), you can focus your team members on the work to be accomplished and the resources to be allocated.  (This includes educating everyone as to the “Why” of your organization.)  Set a firm direction and constantly communicate it, and you will be surprised how everyone will rally around the work.
  • Through your actions – The leader is being watched…always.  If your actions differ than your words, people will notice, and the trust level between you and your team will decrease. (Example:  If you have an anti-nepotism policy in place, and you decide to hire your son for summer work.  No one will argue with you, however, they will begin to question your commitment to your words.)
  • Through your behaviors – In light of all the recent CEOs making the headlines over the past 5 years for their behavior, I shouldn’t even have to discuss this.  But it is important to remember, people watch you and how you behave.  They will mimic your behavior, and this will begin to influence the culture of the organization.  (Sorry, but being a leader means you have to bear the burden of additional scrutiny.  If you don’t like the responsibility which comes with your role as a leader, then you should consider changing your role in the organization.)

In this time in our history, 2020, people are craving effective leadership.  People want leaders who C.A.R.E.S.  Master these five aspects of leadership, and you will be a successful leader.