Effective managers are the champions for recognizing when change is needed. They know how to intiate plans in response to what is needed for the organization they are working for. Credible leaders model pride in the organization they are working for. They do what they say they will do. Effective leaders make sure their actions are consistent.and that they have a clear understanding of their employees values and what they are capable of accomplishing. They believe in the inherent self worth of their employees.
The autocratic style of leadership is no longer the route an effective leaders use. A more popular style of leadership is called "situational Leadership." This means that the style of leadership that is used is based on the situation. An effective leader will get to know the individuals that they are managing and what skills and knowledge they possess. The leader than adapts the style of management they choose to fit the situation. The challenge of choosing effective leadership style takes insight and an ability to recognize the techniques that make an effective leader.
There are different styles that a leader might choose. If you have a strong group and they know how to be responsible, you may simply choose to delegate tasks. You can choose to be a participating type leader and actually be part of the decision making that occurs with your group. The leader can provide the push and encouragement to get a job done. Another type of leader would be if you have a very inexperienced group and you need to tell them what and how to accomplish a task. This is an example of a group that would need the most direction.
An effective leader no matter what style they use, is someone that possess the ability to use interpersonal and communication skills to influence other people to reach the goals that need to be met. An effective leader will build communication within the group so that they have high levels of performance and can reach positive outcomes. Effective leaders will set clear expectations and empower others to solve problems and make decisions to achieve the goals they have mandated need to be reached. A good leader will excite the group, understand basic needs of people and recognizes and acknowledge that everyone has something of value to bring to the table.
An effective leader will build trust and maintain that trust. One of the most important qualities a good leader will possess is the ability to influence others to adopt the goals of the organization. A good leader while acknowledging others is recognized as someone who is genuine and accountable for what they say. If the leader is not genuine and accountable then they will never be an effective leader.
A good leader knows how to achieve a consensus within the group to reach outcomes. One of the best ways to accomplish reaching a consensus is to maintain direction and provide clarification to keep the group cohesive and encourage collaboration. When members of the group experience satisfaction and become part of resolutions you know they have been under good leadership. Again the leader will adapt to the situation and what style of management works best.
At the organization where I am employed as a manager we have a shared leadership environment that is working for our organization. We have what is called shared governance as our model. In heath care we recognize the knowledge and ability that others bring to a group. We have formed unit practice councils on every unit. The unit practice council can make decisions about clinical practice standards and improvement about unit operations and have significant input to the organization. This model of shared governance retains employees and increases quality and satisfaction within the group. They also maintain a constant respect for management and always maintain professionalism.
A effective leader is essential to any organizations success. The role of a leader is very complex and frequently they are put in very difficult situations. It is important for effective leadership that individuals in leadership portray themselves as balanced and knowledgeable. Effective leadership recognizes mistakes and take steps to correct them. Some of the best learning experiences for leadership are the mistakes that actually redirect a path to better solutions. Leaders are valuable and hard to find but are vital and a key to successful organizations. Choosing the right style of management can be your key to success.