Leading
There is much debate on the differences between 'leading' and 'managing' or on how one progresses from a manager to a leader. From my point of view great managers are also greater leaders. They may not set the strategy for the firm but they certainly lead their staff making them into more polished, experienced and developed staff.
Therefore, this chapter highlights a number of leadership qualities that all managers should aspire to. Hopefully you will find that you have many of these qualities already.
• Practise what you preach. As a manager (or leader) you should ensure that conduct yourself in the same manner as you would expect your staff to do so. If you want the team to arrive on time in the mornings, not to take extended lunch hours and show respect for one another, you should do the same. If you don't follow the values and principles that you set out for your team, they won't take them seriously and almost certainly won't adhere to them and incorporate them into their daily working lives. In other words, be a great role model.
• Integrity. A good leader will possess a high level of integrity and will be a trusted advisor to their teams and peers. Ensure that this quality is apparent in your ways of working.
• Gain and retain trust. Be honest with your staff, gain and then retain their trust. Don't bluff. Don't lie. If you break the trust of your staff you will lose their respect. This may not manifest itself in day to day conversations and catch-ups but the relationships you have will be weakened and your ability to lead the team when times are tough will be that much harder. Why should they work late that night or give up a weekend for you if they don't trust that you have their best intentions at heart?
• Trust them. You will benefit as a leader if you can clearly demonstrate that you trust your staff. When you set a task or project trust them to complete it correctly and on time. Give them the space to grow as individuals by allowing them to 'mature' in the workplace.
• Communicate effectively. When communication lines break down or where directions given are unclear or incoherent staff will lose both trust and respect for you. Don't let all the good work of developing relationships go to waste by sitting in your ivory tower and assuming all is well on the front-line. The best communicators are often the best leaders and in many cases they progress high up the career ladder.
Use this skill regularly and check in with staff that the frequen