Trust is a Must

Just today while coaching a young leader who had just accomplished a very large and successful project involving a couple hundred participants, I had to remind him that as a leader you must have a level of trust in those with whom you work.
Basically the activity had ended and we were sitting around discussing the Successful Points and the Improve Points, and he kept getting upset and frustrated with one of his site managers. Who did in fact completed the task, but had a rough beginning, until he had worked into a rhythm. As we talked I helped him realize that as the overall leader he had to trust in the abilities of the executor, or he would forever find himself doubting, burnout and disappointed. I pointed out that often those whom we lead will not complete the task just as we envisioned, despite lengthy planning sessions. But if the task was accomplished to standard then it is O.K. One because it builds the subordinate and two because it allows the key leader to focus on critical issues. The key to successful supervision as a leader is not allowing the standard to slip, even if the technique used to accomplish the task is varied.
So remember leaders, trust is a must, even when right may not look quite right; atleast not in the moment.

Use Informal Leaders

Every group has one, an informal leader that is, someone who influences others in the group more than average without a title or position. Informal leaders shape expectations and influences decisions often through their referent power. While most groups have a formal leader; someone identified by a position or title, they may not be the one with the most influence. Let me provide a semi-comical example most of us can relate to either personally or through observation. We have all seen it, parents strolling through the mall with kids in tow. When one of the children suddenly decides they want to see this or do that. And while the “formal” leader the parent protests, soon the entire family is at the pet store staring at puppies, or checking out balloons, or even worse spending money on the momentary distraction. So what happened? In this example our little informal leader knew the cues required to get attention drawn to his agenda and create sufficient influence to support it.
Another familiar scenario can be set in the workplace. The formal leader may call a well intended meeting with a planned agenda and objective, but the meeting soon deteriorates as attendees redirect their attention on the informal leader’s influence. These distractions can be quippable questions, criticizing comments or just plain immature antics.
The key to success is to use the informal leader. A little time invested up front to get buy in from them or at least run down some of their questions prior to execution will translate into a great investment in influence. By using the informal leader, group members will present less resistance and participate more, generating stronger results, which in turn will facilitate group accomplishment and satisfaction. Not to mention the reduced stress you’ll feel in trying to lead a group of individuals.

True Leaders are True Believers

I have found that true leaders are true believers.

• They believe in others.
• They believe in the cause.
• They believe in themselves.

True leaders have an undying belief in others abilities and potential. Some might say they wear rose colored glasses, but it is more than just a happy go lucky faith. Rather it is the ability to treat others with confidence in what they can achieve.

True leaders are more than just sold on the idea, they are personally invested in the "cause". This can be a product, business, religion, political view or movement. Their investment is personal and emotional which causes others to respond. Some get on board and others become antagonized.

True leaders believe in themselves. They may or may not have all of the key attributes required for ultimate success, but their personal belief is sufficient to move them forward and motivate others. Truly, who would follow someone that doubted themselves? If anyone, not for long.

So if you are leading others or preparing to do so put trust them, really believe in what you are doing and have confidence in yourself.

Leadership Defined

I have seen several definitions of leadership, but they all seemed incomplete to me, so over the years I have developed my own definition which I think is the most comprehensive.



I have found leadership to be:

The ability to influence another through inspiration to do that which they would not do otherwise.