15
Rules for Effective Leadership
Verna
Seal Griffin, PP, PLS
NALS of Washington
Most of us are already leaders in
one way or another - as a co-worker, in a career, PTA, officer or committee
chair, etc. ... As leaders, we should always keep these thoughts in mind.
Observe
Watch and learn by other's mistakes and triumphs.
Give
Credit Always give credit to
others freely, quickly, openly and unsolicited, for
their accomplishments.
Flattery can go a long way. All of us, at one time
or another, have experienced the glow of satisfaction that
comes when others say something nice about us. Share
that feeling! What better way to start a meeting,
make a call, or any other contact, than by saying something
nice that you genuinely mean. What a great way of
making other people feel important and needed!
Control
Your Temper You must be able
to discuss any problem or situation that arises quietly
and reasonably, regardless of any provocations you
may encounter.
Keep
Your Sense of Humor The saying, "if
you take yourself too seriously, no one else will" is
very true.
Leaders must have fun and turn routine tasks into enjoyable
experiences.
We must be able to laugh at ourselves and at the same time
be enthusiastic and spontaneous. Humor is a very
important key to successful leadership.
Avoid
Sarcasm Never be sarcastic
toward anyone or anything.
Be
Tolerant Of a person's race,
color, accent, idiosyncrasies, and feelings.
Be
Truthful Every
statement you should make should be truthful and
every promise must be fulfilled.
Be
Courteous, Cheerful, and Optimistic Consider
other people's wishes, situations, and feelings. In
every thought you have, every act you perform, everything
you say, you have the choice of being either cheerful
and optimistic - or negative and doubtful. I
assure you success is much more quickly attained
when you are cheerful and optimistic. It indicates
to those around you that you are prepared and confident.
Be
prompt If you can't keep your
appointments, you will soon become a clog in the
gears. Always start meetings on time.
Listen Let
others talk until they reach the real core of a problem.
If it is a problem shared by others, then you should guide
discussion from the problem to a solution.
Communicate
Express yourself concisely, clearly, and completely - particularly
when giving instructions.
Enjoy
Your Work You should always
enjoy what you are doing which includes having hobbies
and outside interests!
If you are not having fun and enjoying what you are doing,
you probably need to cut back on your activities.
Be
Generous Help secure your future
by generosity toward all members whose support and
assistance have made it possible for you to be in
your leadership position.
Don't
Ever Be Afraid to Say "I Don't Know" Rather,
inform the person raising the question or problem
that you can and will get the answer, and then get
back to that person as soon as possible.
Commitment
COMMITMENT is a key word for leaders. Without commitment,
everything else is meaningless. True commitment is
necessary for good leaders since it exudes confidence and
hope. Others become committed when they are around
a dedicated, unselfish, committed leader, since they usually
have the zeal and dedication that pulls others to them. Leaders
should set high standards of excellence not only for themselves
but for others as well.
