Do you want to manage the status quo, or make a real difference in your organization and in the lives of your employees? Here’s what you need to become the kind of leader employees want to follow:
• Imagination. Think big. Take an open-minded approach to solving problems and creating opportunities. Challenge your people to be creative in their work.
• Focus. Don’t let your imagination get out of control. Keep your energy—and your employees’ efforts—focused on specific activities that apply to your organization’s objectives, especially ones that deliver value to customers and other stakeholders.
• Results. Ideas are great, but they’re useless unless they lead to action. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Delegate and assign tasks that will move your organization forward. Set realistic deadlines to keep people focused.
• Change. Part of moving forward is being able to embrace change. As you look for new opportunities, be willing to stretch out of your comfort zone to achieve them. Your willingness to change will set a strong example for your workforce.
—Adapted from the Bloomberg Web site