Leaders for Your Companies' Successful Future

by Denise Drake

What do the best corporate leaders look like? How do you find them? Are they born or grown?

The best corporate leaders come in all shapes, sizes, stripes and shades. They represent broad varieties of personalities, styles and characteristics. They are in a wide variety of organizations and exist in most levels of an organization. These leaders may be responsible for many, few or no employees when you find them. But, there’s one thing the best corporate leaders have in common—they get results.

So, how do you know a great leader when you see one? The list is long, but there are a few essential ingredients.

Clear Messages

First and foremost, the best corporate leaders are clear about what they want. They send their messages over and over in the organization. No one is confused about the best leaders’ direction and expectations. And, no one is confused when they are not meeting the leaders’ expectations.

Employees and team members working with or for the best leaders always know the answers to a few seemingly simple questions:

•What am I supposed to do? While this may sound obvious, it is sometimes surprising to hear employees explain the purpose of their jobs and how their work impacts the organization as a whole. The best corporate leaders communicate the requirements and importance of jobs over and over. Employees know how they fit into the overall organization.

•How am I supposed to do it? The right training and tools are made available to the best corporate leaders’ employees. These leaders work hard to make sure their employees get what they need to do the job.

•What standard of performance must I meet (quality, quantity, etc.)? The best corporate leaders are clear and consistent when communicating what is expected. They do not accept production or quality that is less than expected. These leaders take whatever steps necessary to obtain performance that meets or exceeds the standards set.

•Am I meeting those expectations? The best leaders let people know where they stand in meeting the expectations set. Communication that is clear, consistent and compassionate ensures that all employees know “which way is up” in the leader’s eyes. No rigid annual review scheduling is needed for these leaders’ employees, because the employees always know if they are meeting the established standards.

They “Go For It”

The best corporate leaders “go for it.” They don’t simply accept whatever comes along. Leaders push, move and work to meet and exceed goals. They work with and motivate others to exceed known limits—they want and expect more from everyone. But, they are realistic and capable of recognizing and utilizing each individual’s strengths.

Embrace Change

Successful leaders recognize that change is a constant and work to see the opportunities available with each change.

The best corporate leaders recognize the difference between external and internal change. External change involves things outside the leader’s or organization’s control. Interest rates went up. Fuel prices skyrocketed. A big competitor moved in next door. Internal change is what the leader is going to do about the external changes, if anything. External change is fact. Internal change is choice and opportunity.

When the best corporate leaders don’t like the circumstances they are in, they create new ones. They do not shirk from change. They embrace it, staying open to new ideas, opportunities, people, places and directions.

They recognize the word “Lead” as a verb

As Donald H. McGannon stated, “Leadership is action, not position.” Today’s leaders are not just a part of the organizational chart—but rather an integral part of the entity itself. They know what it takes to not only meet goals but exceed expectations because they have first-hand experience. Leaders aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty while personally maximizing employee potential, and ultimately the bottom line.

So where are these leaders? Take a look around. Who is getting it done in your organization? Who makes others feel good about their work? Who communicates openly and honestly on topics, even when the communication isn’t popular? Who is creative when dealing with inevitable obstacles?

When you find these people, grab on and hold tight. They are your company’s successful future.

 

Denise Drake is a partner with Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP. She can be reached at 816.292.8210 or ddrake@spencerfane.com.