Leadership for 2010 and Beyond

I have been reading a lot of articles and books about leadership – or more to the point – the lack of leadership. All one has to do is look around at business executives, political leaders, the non-profit world and even in religious organizations. The examples of how NOT to lead are presented to us daily via newspapers, magazines, the internet and television. There are plenty of books, web sites, journals and seminars that teach and preach how to lead. So, why do we see so few examples of the kind of leadership that we need to take us to 2010 and beyond?

There are several key principals for effective leadership that apply today and will apply in the future. These cross generations, technologies, professions, disciplines and cultures.

- Listen. No matter how much you know there are always people who know more than you. They may be higher or lower in the pecking order. It does not matter. The art of listening is a skill that ever leader needs to cultivate.

- Honesty and integrity. These should be givens. But they are not. And they matter as much with the little things as the big things. Do not lie, cheat or steal. In word or deed. And do not tolerate others who do – coworkers, employees, contractors or consultants. Lack of honesty and integrity can spread like a cancer.

- Work hard AND work smart. Some say work smart not hard. If you look at any great man or woman, they worked hard to achieve their fame, wealth, office or other achievement. Are there lazy people who accomplish great things? Some. But they are rare. And would you want to be one of them anyway. No, working hard AND working smart are the winning ticket for the leaders of 2010 and beyond.

- Put yourself last. A true leader does not put her or himself in front of his team. He goes to the back of the line. That means take care of your people first. From bottom to top. And make sure your subordinates do the same. Does that mean tolerate inefficiency and fat? Of course not! But do take steps every day to insure that every member of the team is treated with respect and that – in the great tradition of the U. S. Marine Corps – the privates get their chow (food) before the officers.

- Lead by example. Think of the best boss you ever had. What made that boss great? In all likelihood you followed the example of that boss or coach. Leaders are visible to their people. They will emulate them. Do the things in a way that you want the members of your team to do them. With humility, with quality, with focus and of course…with integrity.

Leadership is an art not a science. It can be learned. Applying the points outlined above will enable one to be a more effective leader in any field today, tomorrow, in 2010 and beyond.

George F. Franks, III is the founder and CEO of Franks Consulting Group – a Bethesda, Maryland based management consulting and leadership coaching practice. George is a member of the Institute of Management Consultants and the International Coach Federation. His web site is:
www.franksconsultinggroup.com
His blog can be found at:
http://consultingandcoaching.blogspot.com