Thirty Tips for Leaders

The best “Top Ten” lists are fun because they are informative and educational AND easy to absorb. So, in this article, we review THREE Top 10 lists related to leadership, for a total of 30 tips.  The first list provides tips for preparing for a leadership role; the second list highlights ten common derailers; and the third list provides tips for leading without formal authority.

Ten Tips for Preparing to Lead

When you are seeking to take on a leadership role, it is helpful to understand the top mindsets you can adopt and actions you can take. Here are 10 tips to help you prepare for a leadership role.

1. Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Knowing what you are good at and not so good at helps you understand where you need to improve and where you excel.
2. Develop your communication skills: As a leader, you need to communicate effectively. Practice active listening and learn how to give constructive feedback.
3. Build relationships: Building strong relationships with your team, colleagues and customers helps you gain their trust and respect.
4. Learn to delegate: Delegating tasks to your team members allows you to focus on the big picture and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal.
5. Set goals: Setting clear goals for yourself and your team helps you stay focused and motivated. These can be both short-term and long-term!
6. Be adaptable: As a leader, you need to adapt to changing situations and be flexible in your approach.
7. Develop your critical thinking skills: Effectively analyzing information and solving problems quickly and efficiently allows you to overcome obstacles as they arise.
8. Stay organized: Keeping track of your tasks and deadlines helps you stay on top of your responsibilities and ensures everything gets done on time.
9. Continuously learn and improve: Never stop seeking out new opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge.
10. Lead by example: Finally, lead by example. Your team looks to you for guidance and inspiration, so set a positive example for them to follow.

Pryor offers a number of number of online and in-person trainings on Management and Leadership to help you develop this full range of talents.

Ten Tips for Avoiding Common Derailers

Leadership is challenging – it requires a combination of skills, experience and personal qualities. However, even the most talented and experienced leaders can derail if they are not careful. Here are ten tips for avoiding the common leadership derailers that can hinder your success:

1. Develop your self-awareness: Leaders who lack self-awareness are often blind to their own weaknesses and limitations. This can lead to poor decision-making, ineffective communication and a lack of trust from their team.
2. Practice your communication skills: Leaders who struggle to communicate clearly and effectively can create confusion, misunderstandings and conflict within their team.
3. Learn to leverage others: Leaders who struggle to delegate tasks to their team members can become overwhelmed and burn out quickly. This can also lead to micromanagement, which can demotivate and disengage team members.
4. Develop empathy: Leaders who lack empathy can struggle to connect with their team members and understand their needs and concerns. This can lead to a lack of trust and respect from their team.
5. Manage Inflexibility: Leaders who are resistant to change can hinder their team’s ability to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. This can also create a culture of rigidity and resistance to new ideas.
6. Build and take accountability: Leaders who fail to take responsibility for their actions and decisions can create a culture of blame and finger-pointing. This can erode trust and respect and hinder their ability to lead effectively.
7. Practice time management: Leaders who struggle to manage their time effectively can become overwhelmed and fail to prioritize their responsibilities. This can lead to missed deadlines, poor performance and a lack of trust from their team.
8. Develop and articulate your vision: Leaders who lack a clear vision for their team or organization can create confusion and uncertainty. This can also lead to a lack of direction and purpose for their team.
9. Learn to manage conflict: Leaders who struggle to manage conflict within their team can create a toxic work environment. This can occur when conflicts erupt frequently, causing overt anger or hostility. It can also occur, however, when leaders dampen conflict to the point where it simmers or fails to use the benefits of creative tension.
10. Maintain your integrity: Leaders who lack integrity and fail to uphold ethical standards can damage their reputation and erode trust from their team. This can also lead to legal and financial consequences for their organization.

Remember, becoming a leader takes time and effort, but these tips, practiced regularly, can help you prepare for success.

Ten Tips for Leading Without Authority

Most leaders with formal authority and leadership roles once led without that formal authority. It is important to learn to influence and inspire others without holding a formal leadership position – doing so will prepare you for when you do. Here are ten tips on how to lead without formal authority:

1. Build relationships: Building strong relationships with your colleagues, team members, and clients is essential for leading without formal authority. Get to know them, understand their needs and concerns, and show through your actions that you care about their success.
2. Communicate effectively: Effective communication is key to leading without formal authority. Be clear, concise, empathetic, and confident in your communication and listen actively to others’ perspectives.
3. Be a role model: Lead by example and set a positive tone for your team. Demonstrate the behaviors and values that you want to see in others and be consistent in your actions.
4. Be proactive: Take initiative and look for opportunities to make a positive impact. Don’t wait for someone else to take the lead; be the one to step up and make things happen.
5. Be a problem solver: When challenges arise, be a problem solver and look for solutions. Don’t dwell on the problem; focus positively on finding a way forward.
6. Be adaptable: Be flexible and adaptable in your approach. Be willing to adjust your plans and strategies as needed to meet changing circumstances.
7. Build coalitions: Build coalitions and alliances with others who share your goals and values. Work together to achieve common objectives and create a sense of shared purpose.
8. Be a good listener: Listen actively to others’ perspectives and ideas. Show that you value their input and are open to new ideas and approaches.
9. Be patient: Leading without formal authority can take time and patience. Don’t expect immediate results and be willing to invest the time and effort needed to build trust and influence.
10. Be confident: Finally, be confident in your abilities and your vision. Believe in yourself and your ability to make a positive impact, and others will be more likely to follow your lead.

Getting ready for a leadership position?  Browse Pryor’s training offerings in leadership, management, supervision, emotional intelligence, project management, communications and personal development – the offerings range from short videos to full-day in-person seminars to on-line webinars depending on your learning style and availability.