Who knew training as an actor might be handy in pursuit of a leadership role? Guided by your emotional intelligence, you must convey the essentials of leadership in order for people to follow you. In a recent article, Dr. Relly Nadler, clinical psychologist and founder of True North Leadership, Inc., explains the finer points of acting like a leader.
Expectations of a Leader
People generally have expectations of their leaders, believing that:
- You have thought carefully about this situation.
- You know exactly what you want.
- You are purposeful in every communication and action.
- You know what they should do.
- You have all the answers.
Of course these things are not always true. In fact, you know that often you:
- Don’t know what you are doing.
- Don’t have the answers.
- Don’t think anyone else should do.
- Have no idea where you, the team, or the organization is going.
- Are not a leader who is credible and respected.
Despite these truths, Nadler suggests that people will follow you if you behave in certain ways. Leadership is a dance that you can practice and learn, just as you would ballroom dancing. He cites a study that revealed the most common mistakes leaders make, all of which are based in skills that can be learned.
- Failing to provide appropriate feedback, praise, or redirection
- Failing to listen to or involve others in the process
- Failing to tailor their leadership style to the person, task, and situation
Did your employer provide training in management and leadership for you? Probably not. Most do not. But you can take the initiative and learn on your own. If you do not make an effort, odds are you will lead the way you have been led, either within your family or in previous jobs. You tend to boss the way you were bossed.
“Delegation, giving feedback, coaching, managing up and across, decision making and getting buy-in all have specific steps that leaders can learn,” Nadler says. He has even developed an iPhone App he’s selling to guide you through leadership decisions throughout the day.
Have any of you tried it? Do you have another leadership resource to recommend?