by Michael Poyner

Created on: May 09, 2009   Last Updated: June 13, 2009

Effective leadership is a must. We all need leadership at one time or another in life. What makes an effective leader? Is it the ability to give orders? Or is it the ability to give good orders? Is it making the employees do what they are told when they are told no questions asked? Or is it communicating the plan for the task at hand in a clear, easy to understand manner with the wisdom, knowledge, and support needed to accomplish the given task? Having someone who understands the true meaning of leadership is a valuable asset for any group or organization. But having someone who understands and can execute effective leadership is priceless.

The root word of leader is lead. How can you lead others if someone else didn't first lead you? Before someone can lead they must first know how to follow. I recognize that sounds cliche, but it's the truth. When you have performed the job or jobs that your employees are assigned to, you can identify with the ins and outs of that position. When that employee expresses a concern you know from firsthand experience whether it is a legitimate concern or not. You will be able to show that employee how to deal with that concern.

There will be times when someone can't come into work or is going to be late, you have the ability to fill in that position until a replacement comes or that person shows up. When other employees see you step in to keep things going, they will realize that you aren't afraid to get into the trenches and work side by side with them. That builds great morale for the employees in the workplace and shows the employees that you respect what they are doing and in return they will give you respect. It is much easier to let your employees know what you expect from them when they see you doing the very thing you are asking them to do.

Getting in the trenches and working side by side with your employees is good. But the greatest example you can show them is your hard work in your position as leader. A good leader will not just assign task to be done and then isolate his or her self from the project, but rather will be available keeping a watchful eye on the operation. That leader will know who is working effectively and who is not. By knowing this they will be able to commend those who are working and reprimand those who may be goofing off and slowing production. This will show good workers that they are appreciated causing them to put forth a good effort all the more. It will show the lazy workers that they can't get away with being lazy and that they need to do their job or find another one.

Maintaining a productive work environment is important to the company as well as the workers. When your employees see your good example they will recognize that you can identify with them as well as lead them. They will continue to follow your lead resulting in the success of that company.

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