u003cpu003eu003cspanu003e1. Effective leaders have (or share) a vision for their organisation - they have a strong sense of what their organisation is there for, and of how things should be culturally and operationally. They also communicate that vision effectively to others and model it themselves. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspanu003e2. Effective leaders serve their organisation's interests, rather than their own. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspanu003e3. Effective leaders make it their business to secure the future of their organisation. In professional services, this cold be through securing new business and contracts. In a school or charity this could be securing funding for a particular project. This is why 'business development' is usually a key criteria for promotion to Director and above. 'I am so busy I don't have time for BD!' is a common complaint among competent professionals who have not yet been considered for promotion. How to find time for BD, and possible BD strategies, are a common theme in coaching. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspanu003e4. Effective leaders do their work through other people and are effective (and relaxed!) delegators. Ability to supervise others is another common promotion criteria. Overcome limiting beliefs (hang ups!) to delegation is another common topic for coaching. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspanu003e5. Effective leaders have developers the confidence to 'be the first'. For example, they may devise an innovative solution ahead of their peers and competitors and have the confidence to implement it. They also develop the confidence to make decisions and lead their team as they go along, sometimes based on incomplete information. They may be from an under-represented background and be the first appointed in a senior role. 'Being the first' can be a lonely experience, but effective leaders will take calculated risks in order to break new ground. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspanu003e6. Effective leaders recognise it's up to them to 'ensure' that things are done properly. This does not mean they are in the operational weeds themselves, but they have effective structures of accountability in place to 'ensure' that procedures are followed and standards are upheld. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspanu003e7. Finally, effective leaders are generally kind. No-one wants to work for someone unkind! u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
u003cpu003eu003cspanu003eSound daunting? The great news is that most of these skills can be learned and developed. I am passionate about developing aspiring leaders through coaching and these topics come up regularly. Do get in touch if a coaching conversation would help to support your leadership journey. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e