Practical Leadership
What leadership qualities do you possess? When and how do you put them into function? These are questions that determine how practical can a leader succeed in his work. Keep in mind that what has been written down will never become meaningful if they are not put into practice. You are at the helm of the decision making process. This gives you the greatest challenge in your jobsite. Do you always try to arrive at a reasonable decision or do you allow yourself to be carried away by personal motives? Take note that you are building your reputation and each decision you arrive at adds a brick to that reputation.
Work beyond the confines of your personality because working and sanctioning irrational beings (humans) is a very delicate and even dangerous adventure.
No worker is perfect in any organization. Study your subordinates. What are their loopholes? How does this affect their work? How do you make them realize the adverse effects of their actions? How do you compel them to change from bad habits and how do you equitably reward good behavior so that it is not misunderstood by coworkers
Commit yourself never to lay the problems of workers to other coworkers, if that is not the procedure. Invite the worker at fault, discuss the reason for you calling him and give him an opportunity to express himself. This is one of the requirements governing natural justice, that no man ought to be condemned unheard. Make sure you know what transpired and when. Make sure that the thing complained of must be and action or omission clearly noticeable by another person; should in case you need corroboration. There may be a justification for this attitude and the worker may admit the facts. You can now seek for better ways to avoid such actions in the future and ways to sanction such actions when they spring up again.
Motivate your workers with honesty. You must be aware of the fact that some workers are extremely laborious and efficiency is their goal. Subdue your ego, be bound by your sense of right and wrong and reward them. If the organization has a commitment to reward good behavior, honor your words. A great leader must be imbued with morality towards his fellow workers.
Take the initiative and act before anyone else. You are the leader, so show the way forward. Do not wait for events to come up before you implement an action that had already been adopted. Invest your extra time in the affairs of the organization. Selflessness means sacrifice. Lead by examples: punctuality, devotedness etc. Always seek for and suggest new methods of achieving perfections. Never be satisfied with the present situation. Be open to and receptive of change. Change is a must.
Beyond the workplace, take care of the personal needs of your fellow workers. Go to them and make a lasting and touching decision on their personal lives. Their worries at home will be transferred to their jobsite when not solved. If you care what they are or will be, they will reciprocally care about who you are to them.
