Leadership, Environment, and Managers who are clueless!

Lately, I have been reading articles about some things to pay attention to when you are the manager. 

The first thing to remember: When you enter the room do employees cringe at your expectations? Do you change your mind mid-stream into a project?

The second thing to remember: Do you keep your employees from meeting their deadline because your meetings last too long?

The third thing to remember: Do you respect your employees and listen to their ideas even though you do not agree with their opinion?

Let me elaborate on each area. If you are not reasonable and predictable, how do you expect your employees to respond? If you have agreed on an action plan do you keep changing directions? This does not entail reevaluating the success of your original plan, but changing directions on a whim. If you continuously change your mind like the wind, employees will get frustrated and leave.

Leadership habits affect your employees and you. When you have meetings that are too long or can be conducted through e-mail or text or phone you should have a time frame that is reasonable and to the point. A lot of time is wasted each day when you think you have all the answers. Give your employees a break and invite them to be a team.

Respect is not a foreign object! Listening and evaluating is definitely a part of your job. You are responsible for setting an example. Supposedly, that's why you are a manager. If you are not strong in that category, take a long look at your job description and find the part that states you are in a leadership position. Good leaders train those who need to learn their jobs and mediocre leaders often play their own drums.

Good leaders know how to achieve and inspire, and have a vision that sets the tone for success. Tap into the skills of those you manage and learn the ins and outs of the business.

When you are clueless about your own job as manager, how can you advise and train others? Although the definition of leadership is not one-size fits all, it is the same sentiment, and it does involve the entire team to reach the goals of the organization.

When you don't have the clarity to know and understand the right thing to do and you depend only on your little knowledge to make serious decisions, the team cannot depend on your contribution. As a manager, you need to be a mentor when the team needs one. If you are a manager, you don't rely on your title, or position to lead. You empower and influence your team and motivate them toward their full potential.

The environment needs to be properly developed and encouraged to reach the goals set by the management. The results will be positive if you have the talent and experience and knowledge to know how to motivate your team.
Working together towards the same goal requires a proactive stance not a reactive one.

Gather the tools to accomplish and achieve the goals. Clueless managers are a distraction rather than a motivation. Leadership skills are learned over time. Leaders set the every day tone that moves the  delivery of the vision towards the goal.

Take time to lead the team on a daily journey. Be mindful of your inadequacies and prepare yourself wisely with the knowledge that each day you will have a learning experience.