As a leader this week at the Catholic convention the key note speakers got me thinking about my leadership competencies and this what I came up with.
- Have a vision and be clear about it.
- Maintain gospel values
- Act according to consistent ethical and moral standards
- Communicate clearly and listen attentively
- Empower team members and demonstrate respect and trust for other
- Emphasise company culture by highlighting shared values, goals, and objectives
- Maintain the flexibility necessary to change course and remain receptive to new ideas
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional development of employees
- Create an environment conducive to innovation
Act according to consistent ethical and moral standards
We as school leaders are expected to make decisions that closely align with our specific goals and objectives, requiring a commitment to fairness and objectivity. With a set of clearly defined ethical and moral standards in place, leaders are much more likely to make unbiased and objective decisions, engendering a deep sense of trust and loyalty from team members.
When we act according to a consistent set of ethical and moral standards —which means that all decisions are based on logical, reasoned analysis — employees believe they will be treated fairly by leaders and have no reason to feel burdened by uncertainty, which in turn encourages a greater level of creativity.
Communicate
I am surrounded by effective leaders who communicate superbly. Effective leadership is undermined by communication lacking in clarity, so it is incumbent upon those in leadership positions to communicate clearly and consistently in every interaction. Team members are far more efficient and productive when they can count on leaders to issue clear and easily understood directives. Team members are also more likely to carry out their responsibilities with a greater level of confidence, promoting the kind of creativity and collaboration that leads to innovation.
While a consistent focus on clarity in communication reduces the likelihood of a misunderstanding or miscommunication, it does not necessarily eliminate the possibility in its entirety. This is why the most effective leaders also make a point to attentively listen to questions or concerns from team members, as every team member should feel comfortable enough to clarify a directive without fear of reproach from leadership for doing so.
What have you been working on in your role as leader this week? Send me a note.
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