Use Leadership Skills and Leadership Behaviours
Good Leader Develops Effective Leadership and Positive Behaviours
Jan 22, 2009
The article "You can't have too much of a good thing: Everyone needs to show leadership behaviours" reported findings from a study: "Emerging leaders were rated highly by the team members as exhibiting the following behaviours: assigning tasks; communicating effectively; clarifying work duties and procedures; planning; and facilitating problem solving. These, then, are the leadership behaviours." This is similar to Roger G. Hamlin's findings: "Developing Effective Leadership Behaviours: the Value of Evidence Based Management," published in October 2007.
Effective Leadership Behaviours
Different leadership studies highlight the importance of effective leadership behaviours, whether they are based on under-graduates or commercial managers at every level in an organisation. In short, there are commonalities that emerge from this research time and again, which characterise positive behaviours and negative behaviours. Whilst there may be significant differences at the detailed level there seems to be a broad consensus of positive leadership behaviours:
- Conducts regular, effective meetings to set objectives, allocate tasks and review performance
- Effective project planning and management
- Identifying the right person for the right role
- Appropriate delegation of responsibility whilst retaining accountability
- Consults and includes others in decision-making
- Shows an interest in others and responding to their needs whether that is for more information, guidance, support, personal development, positive feedback or reward and recognition
- Takes ownership and shows commitment for solving problems or difficult/sensitive issues
- Leads by example, showing a contagious passion and enthusiasm, engaging and motivating others
- Direct, clear, open style of communication
- Considers impact before action
Ineffective or Negative Behaviours
Similarly, there is a broad consensus on ineffective or negative leadership behaviours:
- Does not demonstrate accountability, commitment or ownership to objectives, tasks or problems
- Does not communicate clearly or well
- Does not manage, support or develop others very well
- Does not provide timely positive feedback as appropriate
- Does not recognise or reward contribution
- Avoids conflict or difficult problems
- Acts before considering impact
- Allows poor performance to continue or low quality deliverables to be produced
- Becomes emotional, irrational or temperamental
- Fails to agree objectives and clarify expectations
- Inadequate preparation or planning
- Willingness to not mention or conceal important facts about a situation
- Focuses on negatives and tends to reduce morale and motivation of others
- Is not open to new or alternative ideas
Leadership Skills and Leadership Behaviours
A good leader will develop their leadership skills and work to demonstrate many positive leadership behaviours and to eliminate all of the negative leadership behaviours. These positive behaviours must be demonstrated at all times in all situations so that it is simply how the good leader operates. Leadership development is a continuous process of personal development.
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