Leadership Skills Training: 5 Irrefutable, Non-Negotiable Laws of Leadership You Must Know Now

Leaders, new and old, sometimes lose sight of the most fundamental tenets of leadership. Here's a reminder… n nI frequently tell executives that leadership and its concepts, theories and core applications haven't changed in a millennium. n nSome of our demographics may have changed. This forces us to use alternative applications of those concepts. But the basic leadership concepts and theories remain.n nSo, why don't we "just do it?" n nSometimes we aren't motivated. Sometimes the "time" just doesn't seem right. Maybe we simply forgot some of the basics… hence this article.n nWhen I train companies and corporations worldwide on how to improve management and organization performance, I start off with these 5 laws new and experienced leaders should never ever forget.n nKevin's Leadership Skills Training Survival Kit for New & Experienced Managers n nLeadership Law #1: Never delay a decision that must be made. n nMake your decision and move on. You may have to immediately make another decision. This doesn't mean your first one was wrong. It merely means that your second one had the benefit of additional knowledge. n nLeadership Law #2: When you want something specific done, say so specifically, using clear, plain language. n nEmployees generally have some difficulty doing their basic jobs. By adding "mind-reading" to their description is just plain unfair. n nDo not use hints, implications, or innuendos. Say what you want, and use plain English! Directness counts. n nLeadership Law #3: Never answer every employee's every question.n nQuestions are teaching moments -- don't rob employees of the opportunity. But don't spend your whole time answering questions.n nWhen you always answer every employee's every question, you'll forever be answering your employee's every question. This will leave you with no time to spend on areas that need your direct attention now.n nSounds trite, and I don't mean it to. n nIf employees are asking because they're stupid, get rid of them. If they are decent employees asking because they do not know, then teach them. They'll know next time, and you'll both be better for it. n nLeadership Law #4: Make your expectations clear, then back up a bit and give employees room to do their job. n nThat doesn't mean to never look back. To inspect what you expect isn't micromanagement. It's good management. n nEven your top performers need clear expectations. Give them a target. Provide resources and guidance. Remove obstacles when necessary. Then let them do their job. But, don't forget to check back later, since you still have management responsibilities.n nLeadership Law #5: Employees need their managers to be leadersn nYour employees don't need a shoulder. They don't need a buddy, a sympatico, or a commiserator. If you want a friend, buy a dog. n nWe all struggle with this. Everyone wants to be liked, and it always seems difficult to decline a beer after work, or something similar. I'm not advocating a monk-like existence, disallowing any contact with your troops. I'm just merely reminding you that they would like to have a friend, but they need a leader if they are to be successful. n nYou do want them to be successful, don't you?n nClosing Leadership Thoughtsn nThese leadership laws are fairly intuitive, and certainly not rocket science or brain surgery. They are simple management and leadership truths that have passed the test of time.n nPrint these out. Laminate it. Put in your top desk drawer and don't forget them.