Keeping Leadership Simple

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If you find yourself wanting to become a better leader, there’s no shortage of material to digest.? Every bookstore usually has a large section devoted to the topic, you can spend the next year watching YouTube videos and never see all the offerings on that platform, and if you google the subject, you’ll get enough material to keep you busy for the rest of your life.?

After spending decades in leadership positions, habitually studying the subject, and even writing a book about it, I believe to be an effective “leader,” there are 3 main things I truly OWE the people I serve.? No doubt an argument can be made for other topics, and the list could be a mile long, but my experience is, if you get these three right, it takes care of a large portion of the challenges you’ll face. After they become a habit, perhaps then you can expand your knowledge and arm yourself with additional tools.? So, without further delay, here they are.

1.)?? Clarity – “If you confuse, you lose.”? A great leader should always make sure those involved see the same picture. Yes, yes, yes, I understand that in some instances, top secret work must be done in silos, but that’s not the norm. If your team knows the goal, speaks a common language, and is willing, able, and trained to do fulfill their role, you’ve got a great shot at success if the plan or strategy is solid.

2.)?? Honesty – With few exceptions, the truth almost always come out, and usually at the worst time. So, I've found that it is best for leaders and organizations to make being honest the only way of doing business.? Yes, there is a time and a place to disclose sensitive information (perhaps don't blurt the worst news, at the worst time, to the whole organization,) but allowing people to be misled by lies or condoning the use of deceptive practices is a recipe for disaster.

3.)?? Feedback – People want to know where they stand in the eyes of the leader. A great leader is empathetic and puts themselves in the shoes of those they lead. They should provide praise and information to correct missteps …and the art of leading well is knowing when and how to address both.? Leaders must let those they serve know if they are on track, doing a good job, or if they are missing the mark.

If you think about it, some of the other characteristics, traits, attributes, or topics someone might want to put on the top three list is often a synonym or spin off from one listed above.? For instance, the topic Transparency. Isn’t that just some clarity sprinkled with honesty?? How about Communication? I’m pretty sure that’s honest feedback (of course empathetically) which should be done clearly.? Whether it’s setting goals and expectations (falls under clarity) or empowering people to do their best (provide honest feedback) …I think it’s a safe bet for all leaders to keep things simple and use the three above.?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What three would you list? What's been the best leadership lessons or advice you've received?

Wishing you all a future that exceeds your hopes and dreams and success by your own definition.

Duane Cummings

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