As long as there have been leaders, there have been those who have tried to determine what that secret ingredient is that ensures success. Leadership itself has not evolved, but our understanding of it has.  It is beneficial to understand varying leadership styles and how they can be effective and why the same leadership techniques will not work in every situation or for every leader. Finding out what your best “leadership fit” is will help you create a style of leadership that is unique to you. Think of it as your own personal leadership DNA. Similar to each one of us having our own unique DNA, each one of us has the potential to build, grow and refine our own leadership style and effectiveness. Taking some time to understand who you are and to study various leaders who inspire you will help you to mold a style that works for you.  Remember that being a leader is about leading others.  Very simply, how can you continue to evolve yourself so that you may do the same for those you lead so everyone is moving ahead and gaining momentum in a positive way.

We live in a world of increased competitiveness and the speed of change has created a new reality for leaders forcing change, growth, the way we process information, view the way we do things and the necessity of innovation to keep ahead of them game. Think of it as a constant reinvention of sorts.  This idea of evolution in leadership also brings with it the expectation and pressure to improve skills and to find innovative solutions to complex problems.  Not an easy task at the best of times.

Today’s leader needs to learn how to navigate their way around all of these perceived barriers while at the same time elevating their people to greatness and somehow learn to embrace that reinvention means evolution and evolution always brings innovation and change.

Paula Morand is a dedicated wife, mother and lover of life.  She is the Founder and CEO of JumpStart 720, an award winning leadership coaching company that is committed to powering life by engaging individuals, companies and communities to more intentional living.  For more information:  www.jumpstart720.com

If you focus on your people, you will change the focus of your work.

In general, there are many managers who believe they manage their work. They answer is they don’t. The truth is that they are responsible for the work, but in actual fact they get the work done by influencing the people who do the work.

Management and leadership guru Peter F. Drucker highlights the following point. “When you hire a hand, it comes with a head and heart attached. So you must pay attention, lots of attention, to the whole person—head and heart—because you need more than your people’s time and attention”.

Work today consists of more than the need for knowledge.  In addition to knowledge it also insists on judgment, thinking, and decision making just to name a few. These essential skills matter and it is also essential in today’s marketplace that people care about what they do. You cannot simply give your people orders and criticism.  There is a growing hunger for playing a more important role in the impact that the work makes on the lives of the customer and of the people working for the company.  If you can tap into this, the level of engagement of your people will increase to a more positive and productive level.  To do this, managers should be cognizant of the fact that less direct but equally as beneficial forms of influence also lend itself to good leadership. These include approaches such as support, development, and encouragement.

Don’t forget that your people matter.  The work will get done so much faster if you learn to grow your people and delegate effectively.  Think twice when leading and remember that leading people trumps leading work each and every time.

Paula Morand is a dedicated wife, mother and lover of life.  She is the Founder and CEO of JumpStart 720, an award winning leadership coaching company that is committed to powering life by engaging individuals, companies and communities to more intentional living.  For more information:  www.jumpstart720.com