How do you know, for sure, that you really are a leader? Sure, you have the title. You also oversee and direct others. But, how many of your people are taking action in alignment with the direction you give them? Leadership is first and foremost about influence. You are not really leading if no one is following. As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “It is a terrible thing to look over your shoulder when you are trying to lead – and find no one there.”
The below statements are reflective of an influential and effective leader. Are these statements true for you? If not, you may identify some opportunity areas where you can increase your leadership effectiveness.
1. People look to you for guidance when they are challenged.
2. When in conversation, you find others matching your pace and enthusiasm levels.
3. Your team works with you to accomplish goals with minimal resistance.
4. Your team repeats your buzz words and lingo.
5. Your team meets or exceeds their metrics on an annual basis.
6. People easily adopt your ideas, even if they are new or innovative.
7. You understand what motivates your team as a whole and each person individually.
8. You have a clear set of values and you make decisions in alignment with your values.
9. Your team is operating at their highest level of performance, based on your encouragement and leadership.
10. When you initiate change, your team quickly moves from denial to resistance.