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A Brief Lesson In Leadership – Audio TidBits Podcast

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Keep focused on getting the job done.

Of course, a proactive leader does not get into being negative and depressed about things. You already know he accepts personal responsibility for his attitude and behavior. He knows too it is easy to lose focus, to lose track of the goal.

Here is where a proactive leader along with all truly effective leaders excels. Every event, every situation, every transaction is viewed by a proactive leader through the mission’s lens. Others may let their focus drift, but a proactive leader is always there to bring them back. Others may be more focused some days than others, but he is there to sharpen their perspectives, to keep them continuously on task.

How does he do this? It always comes down to his bottom line. He is obsessed with why he does what he does and with the cost of not doing it well, the first time, on time, every time. For a proactive leader, the potential cost of losing focus is just too high.

Have faith in those who make the journey with you.

This starts with living the values and beliefs that are the trademarks of leaders who have carefully developed excellence. Specifically, it starts with not reflexively blaming or accusing someone whenever there is a problem. That initial level of faith is followed by believing people are normally honest and trustworthy. If you start by assuming a problem’s coming up does not necessarily mean someone screwed up, you have opened your mind to the alternative possibilities. Assuming that team members are honest and trustworthy allows you to comfortably collaborate with them. Together, in the spirit of trust and good faith, you can best understand the problem and how to reduce the likelihood of its recurring.

a proactive leader knows problems are usually not caused by anyone’s inadequacy or failure. They are caused by the unexpected, by the improbable, or by things that could not be predicted or controlled. To start with the people instead of the problem runs a high chance of never solving the problem. It also runs an even higher risk of breaking trust with people, with the team. If the problem turns out to be with one or more of the people, a proactive leader has strategies for handling that, but he has faith in you and invariably initiates problem solving from a good faith perspective.

What do you think so far? Is a proactive leader a leader worthy of being followed by you? He is certainly demanding of those who would follow and has very high expectations for anyone who would join his team. If a proactive leader’s mission is one with which you identify, do you think teaming with him is your path to success? a proactive leader is intense and not particularly open to those who would try to change or modify his mission. If you want to go where he is going, then welcome aboard. If not, he has no interest in your stepping onto his train.

a proactive leader has a clear vision and equally clear rules for how those on the train are treated, how they engage the challenge, how they work together toward their common purpose. How does this resonate with you and with your values and beliefs? Are you aboard or not?

Next, consider a proactive leader’s leadership style. It is certainly distinct and well-defined. Your opportunity is to decide whether it is a model worthy of your emulation. Is a proactive leader’s leadership strategy one you want to adapt for yourself, your individual use, your personal situation? If so, It’s yours. Use it in good faith and in good causes.

If not, I certainly respect your choice. My strategy isn’t for everyone. It’s only what works for me. My hope is you develop one that works as well for you.

If you find you do resonate with a proactive leader’s leadership style, I have more for you. You have learned about a proactive leader’s underlying philosophy and special approach with his customers, those on his team and those served by his team. You are invited to stay aboard and to take to heart what you will along the way.

Take even the most minor complaint seriously.

Taking even minor complaints seriously is, for a proactive leader, based on the fact people seldom complain unless there is a real issue. a proactive leader knows as well people who are complaining want to be heard at least as much as they want something specific done, and sometimes more. Put these two truths together and you see the strategy.

There likely is a real issue.

Plus People want to be heard.

Equals Always take time to seriously listen.

Having listened, a proactive leader then takes action or not, depending on what he hears. The point is that the person gets the respect they deserve. What’s more, a proactive leader does not miss the opportunity to respond to something legitimately needing his attention.