Great leaders listen and learn. Image: Fundatia Leaders http://www.flickr.com/photos/44692724@N07/
If you want to become a better leader here are 3 great articles that will help you do just that.
1. Leadership masterclass: 10 things you need to know to be a better leader
Using Australian case studies, columnist Fiona Smith argues that leaders don’t need to possess the most knowledge. Instead they need neuroleadership, the ability to apply the latest findings in neuroscience to fields of leadership. Adopting this approach leaders are able to cope with far higher degrees of uncertainty and have less need for process.
The author then goes on to list 10 strategies used by great leaders. These include finding quiet time as a way to solve problems and recruiting for diversity.
2. 3 Signs You’re Meant to Be a Leader
In this article, Les McKeown opines that not everyone is cut out to lead? How do you know if you’re one of those people?
First, you’ll lead only when you have to, not all the time. Trying to lead all the time is a sign of insecurity.
Second, you see much more than you do. McKeown believes that too many try to do too much instead of sitting back and observing.
Third, you change people and they achieve outcomes. By this McKeown believes that it’s a false dichotomy to ask which is better: to build a great team or to hit targets. Instead, great leaders do both. They build great teams and exceed targets.
3. Why you’re not a leader
If you’ve looked around and no-one’s following then Mike Myatt has the answer. He provides 10 reasons why people aren’t leaders including hogging the spotlight, too much focus on process and not enough on people, and being too quick to follow the rules.