LEADERSHIP- WHAT DO I DO AS A LEADER

After having led a hospital for almost 2 Years now and having been in a leadership position for more than 24 years , and having heard many discourses on leadership,attended many conferences , i thought i should pen down as to what i do as a leader and not what leadership means

1. I take the stairs instead of the lift :- A symbolic gesture to say that i do what i preach and also i would first do what i expect others to do , It so happened that i had requested all employees below 50 unless they had some medical issue to take the stairs instead of the lift for obvious reasons. Obviously this wont be possible for a very tall building but at my hospital this became a big success as the fitness levels of employees went up. This was also true for using Biometrics for marking attendance and having food in the cafe instead of my room. The bottom line was that I would always follow a tough decision myself first before making my people do it
2. I never tell Lies to my People:- Trust in the leader is the primal reason for the people to follow the leader, If there are occasions when i cannot tell the truth down line , i would rather keep quiet. But i would never ever tell lies . Trust lost in leader is everything lost
3. I empathise:- I do this big time , i always always empathise , and i always listen to my people. i feel that a leader should spend a good time communicating , rather listening to people
4. I never pass the blame:- Whenever i have the occasion of some issue being told to me by my bosses which involved my people , i would never pass the blame , Yes a root cause analysis and CAPA would certainly be done and solution would certainly be reached but no blame game ever 
5. I take Quick Decisions:- Absolutely. i never procrastinate. I might discuss with my people but decisions are taken quickly and the buck always stops at me , always .And moreover i stand by my decisions and give them time to show results
6. I create second Elevens and have a clear succession plan:- I make sure there is second for every person in my organisation , down to the housekeeping staff. There are all my HODs ready to shoulder my responsibility and i train them to take up my position
7. I invest in my peoples growth:- Both professional and personal. I make sure my people know where they are headed. Professional growth is planned and discussed and personal growth on need to basis , if any one wants to discuss
8. Although people are important but processes and protocols are crucial:- i always believe in good organisations have strong processes and protocols. I encourage the system to be run as per them
9. I always speak in a gentlemanly manner:- I am never ever rude, i might be firm but never rude and i never ever use foul language and i expect all my people to do the same. Also there is culture of deep respect towards ladies and a zero tolerance in this regard
10. I pay all my bills on time:- This sends a good message down the line and forces every one to maintain financial probity 
11. I inspire my people to dream and think big:- I always want all my people to think big ,dream big and aspire for higher things , I guide them , train them , send them for courses where need be , i consider this my onerous responsibility to make them grow and also push them towards their respective targets at work
12. I meet my people one to one at least once in 6 month :- This may not be possible in many large organisations and at many higher positions in companies , but in the present set up , since i am able to do , i do it
13. I have fun with my people:- Whether it is playing a cricket match or having a meal together or having a cup of coffee together , or sharing a meeting with no talk of the work, i believe in having fun and laughter with my people
14. I help :- In whichever way i can , i make them feel that i stand by them and i am available for them whenever they need me 

I feel honoured to be in a position to lead , i strongly believe in the concept of servant leadership and thats the only way i see myself as a leader in the future too.