10 Tips for Leaders

So you want to be a leader, eh? As I have said before, it takes more than a title or direct reports to be a leader. I've got 10 tips to offer new leaders.

1. Lead by example. Everyone will be watching a new leader, so don't ask anyone to do anything that you would not do yourself. You should be the model of expected behavior.
2. Be ethical. Always do what is best for your Company. If you don't know what that is, ask another leader for guidance.
3. Be accountable and hold others accountable. People generally like to know what is expected of them and for you to follow up on what is important. Measure performance and make sure that the goals for you and your team are directly aligned with the company's objectives.
4. Encourage open communication, listen to new ideas and confront the brutal facts. You are not leading in a vacuum and you don't always know what is involved. Ask questions and listen to the feedback that you get.
5. Present a united front. You are not going to agree with all decisions that are made, but it is your responsibility to present the company line. Once a decision is made, support it so that your team can support it.
6. Follow and improve processes. Leaders need to follow established processes so that others will too. This is kind of like leading by example, but more tactical. If you expect others to follow rules, guidelines, policies and processes, you had better follow them too. And, you need to be open to improving processes. A business that doesn't change will die, so lead the charge for improvements.
7. Provide timely and constructive feedback to others with the goal of improving performance. Not documeting trouble. Not getting someone in trouble. People want to know when they are doing something wrong so that they can do it right the next time. 99.9% of people do not make mistakes on purpose. Remember that when you approach them. Involve a manager or HR when it is a pattern of behavior that you have not been able to resolve on your own.
8. Confidentiality is a requirement of being a leader. You are going to hear things that you don't want to hear. You will hear things that you are not allowed to share. You have to remain confidential in a leadership role. Obtain clarification as to which leaders that you CAN share information with if you need to discuss a confidential matter.
9. Take an active role in training and developing others. The more that your people develop, the better that your team will learn and perform. It also makes your job easier and makes you look better. Give your people stretch assignments, high profile projects and, most importantly, your time. It will make people want to work with and for you.
10. Support and get involved in company initiatives to create an engaging and productive work environment. If you don't get involved in the company contest or participate in the annual picnic, your people won't either. These activities may seem cheesy or unnecessary to some people, but they are important to others and make coming to work just a little more enjoyable. Offer suggestions if you don't like what is being done, but pitch in to make work fun, engaging and productive.

Did I miss anything? Hit me in the comments section!