Learning How to Lead

Over my 30 years in management roles across many industries, one thing that I have studied intensely is how to motivate and lead large numbers of associates. Leading groups of people is hard work, whether you are managing 3 people or 30,000 people. But the principles are the same, and over time, anyone who successfully follows these principles can effectively lead people. Here are a few simple rules that I have found useful in helping me become a more effective leader:

1)     Create a clear picture of where you want to take your organization, and why: Create a vision of how you want your group to operate, and each associate’s role in delivering that vision, so they have line-of-sight and know exactly what is expected of them. 

2)     Understand the starting point of your organization: When developing a vision and strategy, so many people misfire because they do not truly understand from where their organization is starting on that journey. This leads to missteps and frustrations by the rank and file. You can’t get to your desired end-state, unless you truly understand from where you are starting. 

3)     Participate in execution: don’t just preside over it. Many leaders believe their role is to create the vision and strategy, and leave it to their people to execute. But I have learned over and over again, that people need leadership in execution as much as they need leadership in strategy. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. 

4)     Celebrate your success along the way: Create milestones along your journey and celebrate achieving those milestones. These can be small things, but recognition of your team will create a virtuous circle: recognizing success creates positive energy, and positive energy creates even more success. 

Very few people are born natural leaders. But if you have high learning agility and empathy, anyone can become an effective leader over time. 

Joe Jimenez, Former CEO Novartis