Have you ever thought about what sets a good leader apart from a bad one? Well, I am sure you have… I think about this all the time!

I have listed a few common attributes and missing skillsets below that contribute to poor leadership. and why you should stay well clear of these common mistakes/attributes…

1. Fear – any leader who is scared of conflicts, getting into trouble or getting fired isn’t anyone you want to work for, or with. Anyone who is over protective of their own job has chip on their shoulders and thus cannot perform as he/she should… Fear and leadership do not go together. As a leader you have to dare to make tough decisions that could end up with you making mistakes and take the heat for this from your Board or Customers, be ready. If not, don’t be a leader… be a follower. Playing it safe will not earn you any gold stars! Take risks and promote big swings! Dare to disrupt your business, innovate and try new things, or someone else will do it for you. What do you prefer? 
2. Delegation – a strong leader is someone who knows to delegate decisions as often as possible. Having the approach that you know better, can do better or simply are better, works in a one-man show… but not in a leadership situation. I promote delegation at all times. I want decisions to be made as low as possible in the chain of command. This is the only way to build people and to spend a sound amount of time on the things that truly make a difference.
3. Succession – Who’s up for the next promotion? What could be more important to a leader than who will succeed who? Nothing! Any leader who does not spend enough time and energy on this is working the wrong angle… I promote working with an A, B and C option at all times. For this to work, you need to constantly be hiring… Putting a stop to hiring new team members is never the answer, even if you want to save money… Don’t save here! The British expression ‘Penny wise and Pound foolish’ applies when getting the best talent on board… You pay peanuts, you get monkeys….! Focus on talent!
4. Centralization – This can kill the lifeblood of any organization. I don’t give a toss about what reasons you may have. A Head-offices is a necessary evil and to build large support functions never work in your favor. Making decisions as close as possible to the core of the problems/challenges or situations is always a better option. I would in fact promote disbanding head-offices to the extent possible… Head-offices are normally full of a bunch of people who spend most of their time justifying why they have a job. You want to be smart, fast and agile when running a business… Do yourself a favour and get rid of centralised decision making! Instead delegate this to leaders in your organisation who are closer to Customer. 
5. Positive Environments – Is there anything more tedious than to work for a mediocre, impersonal and boring boss? As a Leader you have to create an environment of positivity and excitement. An environment of success and can-do spirit. You are in charge. Take charge in a positive manner and create a culture of success and recognition! You will get so much more out of people if they feel appreciated and valued, at the same time as they feel that the culture you build is one of hard work and fun! Yes, you can have both!

Above are 5 reminders to world class leadership… Are you ready to commit?

Gracias a la vida!

F