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to EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP |
- Have a Vision
A vision is a view you have of what your company should be achieving
in the future. If you believe that business is an exercise in adding
value, then your vision should talk about how the world will be a better
place because your business exists - not just that you want to be No.
1 in your market. Altruistic visions are more inspirational than self-serving
ones. Think big. Anita Roddick, The Body Shop said: "If you have
an itsy-bitsy vision, you'll end up with an itsy-bitsy business."
- Be on a Mission
You must be on a mission. This is not the same as having a mission
statement hanging on the wall.
Being on a mission means having a purpose, being on a journey. Your mission
should describe the desired destination and the time-frame for reaching
it. For example, President John F. Kennedy: "We will put a man on
the moon and bring him home safely by the end of the decade." Your
mission should stretch people - challenge them. If it doesn't cause people
to wince, it's too tame.
- Communicate Constantly
Effective leaders speak constantly about their vision and mission. They
walk around and speak about them informally; they seize every formal
opportunity to express them. Lead by example. Actions speak louder
than words. Effective leaders understand this and ensure their actions
are consistent with the vision and mission.
- Communicate With Passion
"Nothing great," said Ralph Waldo Emerson, "was ever achieved
without enthusiasm. "
All effective leaders have been passionate about their beliefs - Ghandi,
Martin Luther King, Henry Ford, Sam Walton. Yet, few senior managers
are passionate people. You must convince people that following you is
the best thing to do at this time. Passion persuades. Descartes:
"The simplest man with passion will be more persuasive than
the most eloquent without."
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