Written by Phil Geldart, Eagle’s Flight CEO
Great leadership is not about trying to be what we’re not; rather it’s about helping others be the best they can be. For that, we must be the best that we can be.
From this flows the need for each of us to strive for personal mastery in several areas. As one acquires capability and confidence—that is, first leading ourselves—we can then lead others to a similar mastery and thus greater personal performance.
In this series we will outline the key areas that we feel are crucial to our success and character as individuals, and consequently crucial for us as leaders to model and teach.
As these become part of the fabric of our own lives, we grow stronger and more effective. As we assume positions of leadership, we can then pass these strengths on to those who are looking to us for direction, guidance, and growth.
We trust you will find these thoughts helpful on your own leadership journey.
The 8 Principles of Leadership
Principle #1: Balance
Ensure you have the right balance today. All your tomorrows are only a collection of todays, so today being in balance is important.
Principle #2: Character
Be mindful of opportunities to make a place or a situation better than you found it as a result of your intentional actions.
Principle #3: Trust
As we seek to develop or deepen relationships, we need to ensure we put focus on building and maintaining trust.
Principle #4: Getting Things Done
Plan what you’ll do based on clearly identifying what it is to look like after you’ve done it.
Principle #5: Making Suggestions
Clearly understood suggestions are easier to act on and evaluate. Take the extra time to be really clear.
Principle #6: Collaboration
When groups are working together to achieve something specific, they can be far more effective when there’s an identified leader. The leader can take responsibility for deciding when it’s time to move from discussion to action; for making a final decision from among several options if there’s not one immediately obvious to everybody; for helping to ensure that everyone has a chance to present their point of view; and to make sure the discussion stays on topic.
Principle #7: Continuous Improvement
When you learn new skills, it is an investment in yourself. New skills allow you to do new things, tackle old things from a new perspective, and get better results. They give you the ability to deal with issues more effectively, or in a way that you never used to be able to do.
Principle #8: Deliver on Promises
Individuals who have made commitments are accountable for those commitments, and that should mean an absolute guarantee that what has been promised will be delivered. The first step in the process of accountability is for both parties to be crystal clear on what is expected and what will be delivered. This is not the time for assumptions, or for leaving things implied or unspoken. When committing to deliver a result, or asking for one, be absolutely certain that there is specific, detailed, unanimous clarity regarding the finished product. This ensures mutual understanding and no surprises!
In my next post, I’ll talk about how to achieve balance and why work-life balance is just the tip of the iceberg.
