Why should anyone be led by you?

Beyond your position and the authority that comes with it, what’s your claim to leadership? So, here are some suggestions to anchor your daily functioning as a leader.

Decisive, high performing: It’s important to consult and listen but you must also have a mind of your own because even where decisions are made by consensus you are accountable for how it pans out. Deliver strong performance yourself to show people that you are holding yourself to the same standards and demands.

Do the unpopular, be a model: The unpopular may often involves introducing change; something many people find personally uncomfortable to do but which is necessary. Moral authority that comes from your credibility, the respect you attract by setting the right example and fair handedness always gets you more. Moral authority attracts the discretionary effort and genuine commitment that often makes the difference between good and excellent outcomes.

Dangle the carrot, wield the stick: When you are able to give coaching as well as correction you help others build on their successes and also learn from mistakes. Deep down most people believe they can do more and better than they are doing but not everyone proactively puts themselves in situations or under leadership where they can thrive.

Articulate purpose, ask questions: When you are in charge, you have to have the ability to provide clarity beyond the day to day and the short term. Questions are a good way of finding out and understanding what’s working, what’s not and what you can and should do. When the purpose is clear and questions insightful you can provide people with focus, feedback and set up to facilitate better collaboration.

Now take action: What one thing can you do to be a better leader?