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Some of history’s most famous leaders were so successful … or were they?  Keep reading how we can lead our own teams to success.

There are many forms of leadership.  Some are more authoritarian – we’ve all heard of “it’s my way or the highway”.  Over a shorter period of time this can be very successful – at it’s most extreme we can consider Adolf Hitler.  He was so successful that he was able to bring his vision for a master race not only to Germany but to inspire many Germans to join the Nazi party and take over much of Europe.  However over the medium to long term people will not continue to be ruled by fear.

Leading by example is the more authentic way to lead.  One only has to remember William Wallace’s speech leading the men into battle in ‘Braveheart’ to see that strong leadership by example, can inspire even the most uncertain and even timid men, on to great things and occasionally almost certain death for the greater cause.

When leaders have integrity by honouring their word, being loyal to their workers and acknowledging their team for any and all successes, the team members will return that honour, respect and loyalty.

Other facets of strong leadership over the long term include:

Courage especially in the face of adversity (making the tough decisions and staying the course)

Self-control – if someone cannot control their own temper, overindulgent drinking habits or other addictive behaviours – it will flow over into the work arena and affect the respect you receive from staff

Justice – being fair does not always mean treating someone the same but being equitable – this could be by giving people the same chance to do their work.  Access to inclusion relies heavily on this.  For example, thinking outside the square to allow a sight impaired person to undertake office duties such as updating databases and answering telephone enquiries by utilizing technologies such as a scanner combined with software such as Jaws.

Commitment to the  plan – staying the chosen course which has been researched and chosen then undergoing review over time to check it’s effectiveness.

Giving more than is expected.  At all levels of employment, some people will notice your work ethic and commitment to excellence.  However it may not come from where you thought.

Be respectable.  This is not being a people pleaser but making the tough decisions when needed and not becoming over friendly with staff but open and respectful.

Be empathetic to others.  Everyone goes through difficulties at times.  Great leaders have usually been the most intelligent followers, learning quickly, thoroughly and accepting the authority.

Become a master of details as well as the big picture.  This does not mean that you need to do this yourself but are able to bring together an effective team and work with them and lead them.

Be responsible for yourself and your team.  Show loyalty even when things do not go well.  Great leaders understand that when things are not going well that they have also failed in their role as a leader.  Then they do something about it once they have acknowledged it.

Cooperate with others for the common goal.

(source:  based on the list from Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich’).

Great leaders understand that every one of these traits is vital.  Only having some but not all will lead to problems!