Seven Principles for Leadership

Rebecca Scham, writing in the Financial Post, observes that the key principles for leadership apply in any economic environment:

1. Provide an overarching vision. Help people see what you are trying to accomplish and how their work connects to broader goals and objectives.


2. Set clear expectations. This includes specificity around deliverables and timelines.


3. Monitor progress. Commit to regular check-in points at critical intervals.


4. Engage in root cause analysis. Obstacles should be uncovered and discussed. Reasons for delays or gaps should be thoroughly explored and understood. Ask more questions and be more wary of accepting the first answer you get.


5. Review priorities. As new and competing issues emerge you need to re-evaluate objectives and timelines and re-direct your team as appropriate.


6. Re-confirm expectations and deadlines. Follow up meetings with short notes in writing as reinforcement.


7. Measure success. It is critical to follow-through and formally review delivery against expectations. Recognize achievement. Discuss lessons learned.

Read the entire article here: Tough Times Require Tough Bosses