I really enjoy working with those that are new to leadership roles and also existing leaders that want to develop skills to create greater collaboration and engagement throughout their teams.

In doing so, I hope to help the leaders to increase results, accountability and have a positive influence on staff morale and motivation levels.

One of my favourite leadership quotations is one by John Quincy Adams “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

For me one of the most important tasks of a leader is to use their time and resources to help their people to unlock and fulfil their potential. In my opinion, it’s vital that they focus their time on encouraging people to be the best that they can be. It’s essential that they create the right environments and support mechanisms to get the best out of people.

Having a clear vision to provide focus and help create a sense of shared purpose is also important in helping to increase co-operation, collaboration and grow results. I believe that leaders create the culture for success by modelling the appropriate behaviour and attitudes. Employees take their lead from the example set by their leaders.

People enjoy working for and respect leaders that are consistent, congruent, have integrity and importantly walk their talk. I’m referring to those leaders that actually practice what they preach. As opposed to those that spout theory, quote leadership books and journals and suggest a way of being, only to behave differently themselves.

As Harold Geneen said “leadership is practised not so much in words as in attitude and in actions. First class leaders become what they want the people who follow them to become. People know where they stand with them as they are authentic, open and approachable. Whilst leaders may measure and track employees performance, the employees are measuring how well the leader follows through on both their words and deeds.

To help devise clear action plans during leadership development coaching sessions, I have developed a framework for First Class Leadership. This comes with a 30 item questionnaire for self-evaluation and input from employees, peers, superiors etc. (if necessary). This helps to devise a personal leadership plan for ongoing growth and development. In addition to helping to develop skills, it also provides a simple and clear mechanism to track progress.

The framework incorporates what I believe to be the most important qualities for leaders to hone in order to generate high levels of employee engagement, increase accountability, self-responsibility and create high performing teams. It is divided into five main headings which are:-

  • Develop and communicate a focused vision and purpose – galvanise people behind a vision and what’s possible. Talk confidently and enthusiastically about the future.
  • Plan the way ahead and implement – lead by example, establish clear principles and a strong sense of direction. Involve people in goal setting and promote collaboration.
  • Grow motivation, engagement and commitment – create a climate of trust, raise the confidence and esteem of others. Celebrate achievement, encourage and praise effectively.
  • Inspire exceptional performance – set high standards, effectively manage performance. Develop mutually agreed measures of success and reward the right things.
  • Continuously innovate and improve – question the status quo, break unproductive habits and seek opportunities for beneficial change. Ask for ideas and commit to excellence.

This week, why not take a few moments out to reflect on the team that you lead or are part of. What action steps could be taken to increase employee engagement and collaboration? What would be the benefits of doing so?

If you would like to develop your leadership capability, complete the leadership questionnaire or would like more information, please drop me a mail at Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk

This week’s quotation:

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Warren Bennis

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk