Ten Principles of Good Leadership

by Lenora Murdock

Leadership is second nature for some people. Others learn principles of leadership through education and try to apply their knowledge in the world of work. Some learn the principles of leadership in the school of hard knocks. Learning leadership can be a difficult process, but the benefits of the knowledge gained can never be lost when leadership knowledge has been hard won.

I've learned leadership each of the three ways. Often, I learned things in books, written by experienced leaders, but chose to try things my own way. When I failed I realized the wisdom of those who have led before. Trying new leadership styles is not always a bad thing; innovation always comes about because of innovation and thoughtful change.

There are, however, some indisputable facts that no good leader should overlook. A compendium of leadership skills would take volumes. However, below are ten principles that a good leader should not ignore.

Leadership Principle: #1: Be prepared.

Regardless of the task or role set before you it is your job as leader to be prepared. That means learning as much as possible about your department, your role in the organization, and the expectations of your superiors.

Once you understand what you are expected to know, you can educate yourself about your department. That doesn't mean that you will learn every nuance in detail. It does mean that you will gain an overall working knowledge of everything that goes on in your department that will equip you to lead.

There are things that you will not know right away, you will learn as you go. This a good reason to surround yourself with intelligent, well informed, loyal people who will advise you in areas with which you are unfamiliar. Build a team that will keep you informed of changing data, technology, and other trends as they relate to your department.

Preparation makes the difference in your ability to present yourself as a leader who cares and intends to lead the department toward greatness. As an informed leader you will be prepared to make accurate and difficult decisions.

Leadership Principle #2: First things first.

 Each day is going to greet you with new challenges, projects, obstacles, and ideas. It is your job as the leader to prioritize the tasks facing your team. Priorities may change day to day, but you are the one who must maintain focus on the big picture.

Tasks must be prioritized day to day, week to week, month to month, and so on. Priorities will change based on the needs of the organization, but a good leader will plot the course and be able to determine priorities for the team.

Remembering your overall team goals is the key to successfully prioritizing your teams work.

Leadership Principle #3: Expect problems.

Leadership is no bed of roses. The unexpected will happen. Not only should you be prepared for the unexpected, but also prepare your staff to expect the unexpected.

Don't live on the edge of your seat always anticipating the worst, but be aware that things don't always work out the way you plan. Meetings run late. Speakers don't show. Things happen.

It is crucial that you, as a leader, be flexible enough to maneuver yourself and your team through the unexpected.

Leadership Principle #4: Be a decision maker.

Making the right choice at the right time can determine your success or failure as a leader.

Decisions do not have to be made on the spot. This fallacy gets many managers and leaders in trouble. Take time and weigh all options before making a decision. Given the time, consult the opinions of other experts in the field.

The outcome of your decision will often impact a variety of areas within the organization; don't forget to take this into consideration. However, don't be paralyzed by fear that you will make the wrong decision.

Take time to make a reasonable and well thought out decision, but do not procrastinate. Procrastination kills moral and makes your department sluggish. It will also harm your reputation as a leader.

Inaction is like a vacuum. If you don't make a decision someone else will. Do not allow your decisions to be usurped because of procrastination. Taking time to research a decision is one thing, indecisiveness is another.

A well informed leader will be able to make decisions based on the best interest of the department and organization.

Leadership Principle #5: Don't avoid problems. 

Non-confrontational leaders are notorious for ignoring problems, hoping the problems will work themselves out or go away. That almost never happens. Small problems that are not addressed promptly and decisively often turn into larger problems.

Evaluate problems as they arise. Some problems are technical, others organizational, and others interpersonal. Have key people in place to handle specific issues and hold them accountable for resolving issues.

Accessibility to employees will often help dissipate problems that could otherwise turn nasty. Employees who feel their concerns are heard and addressed are more likely to remain happy and helpful employees.

Ignoring problems is another moral killer. Leaders who hide their head in the sand leave their rear-end exposed.

Leadership Principle #6: Keep your word.

Strong leaders are trustworthy leaders; once they give their word they do everything possible to keep it. The best way to build trust is to deal truthfully with your employees, team, and superiors.

Keeping others informed is an important way to build trust among your team. Once others learn they can trust you and depend on you to look out for the organizations best interest they will feel secure working for you.

Being a trustworthy leader helps build trustworthy employees.

Leadership Principle #7: Maintain focus on your purpose.

Once you have established goals and surrounded yourself with good people work to keep your goals and priorities in focus. It's easy for you and your employees to forget the big picture as you deal with daily concerns. It is your job as the leader to keep the primary focus in front of yourself and your employees.

Every job, every employee, and every strategy should be committed to reaching your primary goal. If this is to happen, you will have to remind others often of your teams focus and purpose. Loss of focus will result in inefficiency and failure to meet organizational goals.

Write down your purpose. Remind people daily of your department's purpose. Keep the purpose as the primary focus of your group at all times.

Leadership Principle #8: Don't allow critics to determine your destiny.

Every leader is subject to criticism. You cannot please 100% of the people 100% of the time. There is always someone who believes they have a better idea, policy, or procedure.

As long as you are prepared and focused, do not let your detractors determine your destiny. Chart your course. Make plans and establish good policies. When critics arise, and they will, you can have confidence in your decisions and policies.

Critics are often more vocal than supporters. That does not mean that you should change your plans because someone who is not in charge doesn't like them. Accept corrective criticism. Listen to criticism from your superiors, but do not let peers who find fault in your decisions cause you to re-plot your course.

Leadership Principle #9: Keep things simple.

The burdens of leadership can have a snowball effect. Decisive clear leadership keeps this from happening. Simplify issues whenever possible. Keep small things small. Don't allow little issues to be blown out of proportion.

Delegate minor responsibilities. Keep strong personnel in place who can handle minor day-to-day problems, allowing you to focus on the larger goals and initiatives. Keep your job as simple as possible. Leadership is complicated enough.

Leadership Principle #10: Evaluate and re-evaluate.

You may enter an organization or department that has an established hierarchy, or you may have to build a department or team from the ground up. Create an efficient and effective organizational chart. Eliminate useless jobs.

Always keeping your goal in focus evaluate and re-evaluate your organization frequently to ensure inefficiencies have not worked their way into your work flow. Evaluate resources and people.

If there is a change in your plan or organizational chart, keep your people informed. Challenge your team to work consistently toward efficiency.