The Difference Between Leadership and Power

Leadership is multifaceted, involving the achievement of financial and performance goals, communications excellence and the creation of an environment producing team loyalty and personal fulfillment. And these are just a few of the job requirements.

I’m sure you have heard the saying, “Lead, follow or get out of the way.” If you’re the leader and don’t follow some basic rules, you won’t have to worry about making the choice. Your best people will run over — or away from — you.

Leadership effectiveness is measured by degrees. Your ability to master each skill directly increases your ability to lead even more effectively. Lead your employees by being someone they want to work for.

Characteristics of Effective Leadership

• Develop Personal Trust and Acceptance. The people you lead should like, believe and trust in you. Hated leaders eventually are overthrown or fired. If a hated leader cannot be fired, people will quit.
  
  
• Match Jobs to Abilities. Put people in the positions that best leverage their talents and strengths. The better the match between position and skills, the better the performance and comfort level.
  
  
• Encourage Bottom-Up Goals. Encourage people to develop and share their individual goals with you and then modify them together. People are more apt to own and reach the goals they set for themselves.
  
  
• Set Clear Goals and Give Specific Instructions. Give specific tasks and clear directions for achievement. Everyone should know their responsibilities and how their own work contributes to the ultimate objective.
  
  
• Have Fun. Create an environment where people love their workplace, teams and take pride in what they do. Make duties, tasks or projects challenging.
  
  
• Play Straight with Pay. Make all money matters clear. Don't reduce pay or commissions to cut costs. Instead, pay fair, provide a good benefits plan, and provide security. It's more expensive to train and hire a new employee than lose a valued member of your team. Make sure paychecks are accurate. Nothing damages morale more than payroll mistakes.
  
  
• Praise Your Teams. Effective leaders stand on the sidelines and cheer for their players. Praise results. Praise effort. Praise individual and team accomplishments early and often.
  
  
• Recognize and Reward Performance. The reward may be leadership of a new project, a bonus or comp time off. Whatever you decide, make it worthy of the result.
  
  
• Be a Hero. Lead by example so your actions match your words. If you want employees to become dedicated players, let them see your dedication.

Leaders who manage by, 'You don't have to be liked, you just have to be respected,' wind up with high turnover and a lack of respect.

It's common sense. We want to work for people we like and respect.