LEAD by Example

When you ask employees what makes a good leader word like ‘encouraging’, ‘caring’ ‘fairness’ and ‘understanding’ keep coming up.

            A good leader is a ‘people person’, a motivator, a coach, a good communicator, an enthusiast and one who sets a good example. 

Five of the best tips to become a good leader  

* Set a good example

            Moral, social and work ethics are very important when setting a good example.

            The way you dress, the way you organise your work, the way you speak, are all important characteristics.

            Always treat your staff and clients with respect

* Be fair to all

            Avoid showing favouritism. Avoid prejudices. Be fair to all,  regardless of race, creed or sex.

            Make the time to spend with staff and clients and listen to their suggestions and new ideas. Listen to their concerns and family problems.

            Encourage people to talk and share their ideas and views through coaching, listening and training.

* Give clear and decisive instructions

            Employees like leaders with a vision who give clear and decisive instructions and keep to them, so everyone knows exactly what is expected of them.

* Delegate responsibilities

            Be prepared to hand down responsibility and authority to suitable workers where the action takes place. 

*Give credit where credit is due 

            ‘Thank you. You did a good job’ are powerful words. These are greatly appreciated if given in writing and in front of colleagues.

            Support and encourage staff to work collectively towards the goals of the organisation.

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Leaders should be honest, fair, consistent, insistent and persistent”

Source: “Secrets for New Managers” Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand and Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore. Also available as hard copy and as an e-book from Cengage Learning, Amazon.com. and the VitalSource Bookshelf.

            Most of the articles in this book have been published in “Today’s Manager” the bimonthly magazine of the Singapore Institute of Management. The author ran 31 workshops for Asian Managers at SIM and wrote many articles for them.