How can you as a leader get work done through others with
their commitment and their contagious enthusiasm?
Here are a few ways you can provide followers with what they
need to succeed:
- Maintain an “Open Door.” Encourage them to come to you with their problems and concerns. Listen and respond appropriately.
- Be accessible and available. Unless you’re on personal leave, make sure they can contact you for any needed clarification or guidance.
- Allow reasonable schedule flexibility to accommodate their personal needs.
- Think and plan before assigning work and implementing projects so you can minimise unnecessary changes and extra work.
- Keep the environment respectful and “safe.” Do not allow derogatory humour, destructive feedback, or the criticising of input and ideas. Take immediate action to stop them if they occur.
- Back their decisions and act on their recommendations whenever possible and appropriate.
- Run interference. Be a “go-between” to help team members get any required senior management approvals and interdepartmental cooperation.
- Minimise obstacles. Identify any organisational factors (including your behaviours) that inhibit team member success. Eliminate or minimise those obstacles as best you can.
Lead well ... LEAD RIGHT!
