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10 Rules to Lead By

Written by: Linda Jackson

Article Overview: To be a leader, you don't have to be seated in the corner office or be an elected official. A leader is someone that others can look to for guidance, and that sets an example that others want to follow. A fancy title can make that happen temporarily, at least, but true leaders can inspire steadfast loyalty and build highly functional teams by following the 10 rules outlined in this article.

10 Rules to Lead By

To be a leader, you don't have to be seated in the corner office or be an elected official. A leader is someone that others can look to for guidance, and that sets an example that others want to follow. A fancy title can make that happen temporarily, at least, but true leaders can inspire steadfast loyalty and build highly functional teams by following the 10 rules outlined in this article.

Rule #1 - Communicate Well and Often
The vision and objectives of the organization need to be clearly communicated and understood by all. These provide the foundation of team actions so that everyone understands how their individual contributions can make a difference. Make sure everyone has a clear picture and can articulate: Why are we doing this? How does this help us reach our goals? Where do we fit in the bigger picture of the company?

It’s important to create buy-in to objectives by ensuring that the team has a chance to participate in goal setting – when people have a hand in setting objectives and defining the path to get there, they are more likely to be on board with doing whatever it takes to reach the goal.

Ask for feedback – and mean it. As important as it is to give feedback to others, a leader recognizes that asking for feedback and truly welcoming the opinions of others is a way to continuously improve my own leadership qualities. Listening is more important than talking.

Reward and recognition are essential and even small gestures of appreciation go a long way. Say “thank you” often, and tell people when they are doing a great job. Let others know when someone goes above and beyond and endeavor to cascade feedback up and down the organization. Take time as a team to celebrate successes. When the team reaches a goal or achieves a milestone ensure that credit for those accomplishments is recognized and rewarded.

Rule #2 - Be a Team Player
A leader is recognized as a key contributor that provides structure to the organization, develops well thought out plans and drives strategic direction toward big picture goals. However, it’s important to share the stage and appreciate the opportunity to help others develop these skills. Let others in the organization have the ability to step up to the plate and take on new challenges.

A big part of a leader’s responsibility is to make sure that the team has the resources they need to do their jobs. This goes beyond physical assets to include empowerment, the ability to make decisions and the confidence to take ownership of those decisions. Make time to listen and give people full attention when having a conversation. Follow through on commitments.

A leader never asks anyone to do anything they wouldn’t do, and always lets people know that it’s okay to ask for help if they need it. A collaborative style makes everyone smarter as a team and stronger as individual contributors.

Ideas and vision must coexist for an organization to be successful – but ultimately it comes down to implementation and execution. Think of the metaphor “someone has to land the plane”; it’s the leader’s job to make sure that the team is making continual progress toward the end goal.

Rule #3 - Hire Smart, Fire Smarter
The best leaders have learned to hire people that are smarter than they are – it makes their job a lot easier. They also understand that it’s okay to recognize that sometimes people aren’t the right fit and to do what it takes to help them move on with respect and dignity to an opportunity to succeed elsewhere.

Rule #4 - Be Respectful
Until they prove otherwise, grant everyone the benefit of the doubt. A leader is honest with their team and asks for honesty in return. An environment based on trust is critical to success.

As much as possible and as long as it’s not disruptive, try to accommodate and recognize diversity in opinions, style and work habits.

Rule #5 - Be Self-Aware
Recognize the need to continually develop self awareness, confidence and self knowledge. Excellence in leadership is a personal quest and requires regular reality checks.

For example, if a leader has a strong and persuasive personality, they can easily influence others. When they can channel this to project positive energy they have the ability to inspire others to reach new heights, but at the same time they need to be aware that they can have the opposite effect through the projection of negative energy.

Rule #6 - Be Passionate
Don’t be afraid to show passion – this can instill confidence, empowerment and commitment in a team and it lets them know a leader cares. Leaders value excellence, and strive to achieve the highest quality in all that they do – whether in their own contributions or by inspiring those around them to excel in their efforts.

A leader gets to know the people at work with so that they can show that they care about them, their families and their interests outside of work.

Whenever possible, practice random acts of kindness.

Rule #7 - Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
Experience teaches a leader that it’s not even close to being all about them. It’s possible to have fun and still do good work.

Learn to lighten up. It’s an effective way to create a positive environment that people want to be a part of.

Laugh; a lot.

Rule #8 - Keep an Open Mind
Be flexible and innovative; endeavor to stimulate and encourage innovation, creativity and questioning of old assumptions.

It’s a good day if it’s possible to learn something new – a new word, a new idea or even a new bit of trivia to pull out at a party.

Rule #9 - Take Responsibility, Not Credit
A leader is prepared to take responsibility for what happens in their organization. If they’ve done a good job of fostering a culture based on open and honest communication (see Rule #1), they will be aware of what’s going on and can stand behind the decisions and actions of the entire team.

When something does go off the rails, deal with it openly. Get it on the table and do a retrospective so that everyone on the team can learn from the experience and move on; equipped with the knowledge to do better next time around.

Rule #10 - Remember Rule #7

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Article Tags: contributor, driv, fancy title, functional teams, gestures, goal setting, guidance, job, leadership qualities, milestone, organization need, rule 1, steadfast loyalty, successes, team player, true leaders
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