Effective leaders of change must be visionaries. A true visionary can see things not just as they are, but as they could be and should be, and they can compel others to see the vision too. A visionary can articulate the vision to others in such vivid detail that it appears feasible and reasonable to make it a reality. Whether a vision is homegrown or the result of outside forces and factors, it is the leader’s responsibility and imperative to construct a future reality that is realistic yet inspiring. Think of visionaries who were able to compel others with their ideas of what the future could be, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Steve Jobs, or Coco Chanel.

The key to vision work is belief. Not only must the leader believe in what they are “selling” to others, but followers must believe it as well. For others to believe in the vision, they must have buy in. What about the vision impacts and benefits their way of being? How does the vision affect the world as they see it? Some leaders miss the mark by not considering the value, or lack thereof, that the vision as stated has for followers. Effective leaders are in tune with their followers, or they at least listen with empathy so they are informed as to how their vision relates to others. The belief in the vision by followers is integral to the success of change.

The first followers and early adopters are the best assets to the leader when driving change. These team members believe in the vision and in the leader to achieve the vision, so they become champions of change that can echo the vision and help drive change throughout the organization. These key team members can ultimately be more instrumental in the success of the change than the leader themselves. A leader must identify these key players in the organization and bring them on board, leverage their influence in the organization, and listen to them as they relay information back from other members of the organization. Here’s a classic video of the power of the first follower.

The vision must come with a sense of urgency. This sense of urgency can be in the form of a moral imperative, a response to a preordained timeline, or a desire to make an impact in the now as opposed to posterity. Most people respond to intense deadlines with stress and frustration, so urgency must be created positively. This can be achieved through excitement, incentives, and sharing of small quick wins. A leader who is present, excited, enthusiastic, confident, and speaks vividly and often about the vision can generate this sense of urgency that followers will buy into.

Do you need help developing and articulating your vision? Schedule a free introductory call today!

by Stephanie Haywood

Image via Freepik

​Introversion, often misunderstood as a limitation in the business world, can in fact be an influential asset in leadership. Those with introverted tendencies bring unique skills to the table, from deep reflection to thoughtful communication.

By embracing and developing these innate qualities, introverts like yourself can become impactful and respected leaders
Williams Education Consulting shares some tips for getting started:

Harnessing Self-Awareness for Effective Leadership
Self-awareness serves as a foundation for successful leadership. Understanding your introverted nature is not about focusing on limitations, but rather on recognizing and capitalizing on inherent strengths.

Introverted leaders often excel in thoughtful decision-making and deep problem-solving, qualities invaluable in the complex landscape of business leadership. A keen sense of self-awareness allows you to navigate your roles with confidence and clarity.

Advancing Leadership Skills through Education
It’s prudent to consider an online MBA program for introverted professionals seeking to bolster their leadership skills. These programs offer a blend of convenience and comprehensive education so you can learn in a setting that aligns with your introverted nature.

The curriculum in these programs delves into various facets of business and leadership to provide a well-rounded foundation. Engaging in such academic endeavors equips you with critical knowledge and boosts your confidence, preparing you to navigate the complexities of the business landscape with enhanced leadership capabilities.

Embracing Continuous Learning for Leadership Growth
Leadership is an evolving journey, particularly for introverts who thrive on introspection and knowledge. Engaging in ongoing learning — whether through reading, seminars, or workshops — keeps you at the forefront of industry trends and leadership strategies. This continuous pursuit of knowledge fuels personal growth and enables you to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your organization.

Building Connections through Strategic Networking
Many introverts often prefer meaningful, one-on-one interactions over large social gatherings. By focusing on more intimate networking events, you can build strong, authentic connections that are more likely to lead to fruitful collaborations. This approach to networking, based on depth rather than breadth, can be incredibly practical in building a solid professional network that supports and enhances your leadership potential.

Mastering Communication with Thoughtfulness and Empathy
One of the greatest strengths of introverted leaders is their ability to listen and engage in deep, meaningful conversations. By mastering the art of thoughtful communication, you can effectively convey your vision and connect with your team on a deeper level. This empathetic approach to communication fosters trust and cooperation — essential components of a strong, cohesive team.

Empathy is a natural trait of many introverts and a critical element in effective leadership. Understanding and relating to the emotions and experiences of team members allows introverted leaders like yourself to create a supportive and motivating environment. This empathetic leadership style nurtures a positive workplace culture and inspires team members' loyalty and dedication.

Empowering Others through Delegation
Leadership is not about bearing all responsibilities alone but empowering others to contribute and excel. By delegating tasks effectively, introverted leaders can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility in their team members.
Just remember not to micromanage when it’s unnecessary. This approach lightens the leader's load and encourages a collaborative and dynamic team environment where every member feels valued and capable.

Conclusion
As an introvert, you have a unique set of qualities that can make you an outstanding leader. By embracing your natural tendencies and continuously developing your skills, you can lead with authenticity and effectiveness.
​
Whether through thoughtful communication, empathetic understanding, or continuous learning, you have much to offer in business and beyond. Your journey to leadership excellence is marked by introspection, connection, and a deep commitment to the growth of both yourself and your team.

by Stephanie Haywood

​Photo by Freepik

In today's complex and competitive business environment, understanding the pitfalls that can derail even the most promising leaders is of paramount importance. Both new and seasoned leaders can benefit from a clear roadmap to avoid common mistakes that frequently stymie growth and effectiveness. This article, presented by Williams Education Consulting, explores significant areas where leaders often falter, emphasizing the necessity of self-awareness, adaptability, and resilience.
 
The Pitfall of Uncoachability
 
One of the most limiting behaviors a leader can exhibit is a reluctance or refusal to accept constructive criticism. The inability to listen and adapt can result in a stagnant career trajectory. This is because leadership is a journey, not a destination, and continual learning is its cornerstone. Openness to feedback from peers, mentors, and team members can reveal new perspectives and drive personal and professional growth.
 
Inadequate Business Research
 
Another significant barrier to leadership success is an insufficient grasp of the marketplace, competitors, and even the intricacies of one's own organization. The consequences of inadequate research can be far-reaching, from strategic missteps to uncompetitive products and lackluster marketing initiatives. One effective way to develop and possess strong business acumen is by earning a business degree, which covers essential know-how such as communication, marketing, accounting, and financial management. With the flexibility offered by online courses, acquiring this comprehensive knowledge at your own pace has never been more accessible.
 
Unnecessary Micromanagement

Micromanagement, at its core, signifies a lack of trust and hampers the organic growth of teams and individuals. When business leaders excessively oversee every detail and dictate each step, they inadvertently send a message that they do not have confidence in their team's abilities. This not only diminishes employee morale and creativity but also limits opportunities for team members to develop critical problem-solving skills. Furthermore, by investing time in minutiae, leaders divert their focus from more strategic matters that require their attention, effectively bottlenecking decisions and processes.
 
Lack of Emotional Intelligence
 
Many leaders underestimate the importance of emotional intelligence, or EQ, in effective leadership. Leaders who fail to develop their emotional intelligence may find it challenging to form robust relationships within their teams and may be insensitive to the emotional climate around them. This can lead to decreased morale and productivity. Fostering emotional intelligence requires self-reflection, active listening, and a commitment to understanding not just what team members do, but also why they do it.
 
The Peril of Limited Commitment
 
A leader's level of commitment directly correlates with their ability to inspire and move a team forward. A lukewarm commitment will become palpable to team members and can undermine even the most well-planned initiatives. True leadership requires a full and sustained commitment to the organization's goals, a clear vision for its future, and a strong desire to achieve success. A highly committed leader acts as the glue that holds a team together, driving it toward a shared objective.
 
The Challenge of Temperament
 
Last but certainly not least, a leader's temperament must align with organizational culture and values for leadership to be truly effective. A mismatch in this area can lead to internal strife, a breakdown in teamwork, and a loss of credibility. A leader's temperament should not only align with organizational culture but should also serve to reinforce it, creating a stable environment where employees feel valued, understood, and motivated to perform at their best.
 
Leadership in the business realm is a complex interplay of skills, traits, and behaviors, each of which can either bolster success or act as a roadblock. Recognizing and proactively addressing these common pitfalls is essential for any leader aiming for long-term success and effectiveness. By maintaining a learning mindset, conducting robust business research, honing emotional intelligence, demonstrating unwavering commitment, and aligning one's temperament with organizational culture, leaders can navigate the complexities of the business landscape more effectively. Implementing these strategies will pave the way for a rewarding leadership career, rich in growth, impact, and achievement.
 
 
If your leadership skills are lacking or could use some polish, connect with Williams Education Consulting today to find out more about our leadership and entrepreneur coaching packages. 

Leadership is a complex job description.  There are varying definitions for leadership in research, yet every so often, leaders come along that defy the current definitions and add more dynamics to the accepted notions of leadership.  Leaders find themselves defined by their success or failures.  Success can bring life-long accolades while failures can end careers.  There are many perspectives about what makes a good leader and a general idea about what makes a bad leader. Fortunately for bad leaders, there are strategies that they can use to become better leaders.

Characteristics of a Good Leader

In order to know what makes a good leader, it is helpful to understand what the leadership job description is.   While many job descriptions refer to leadership abilities or leadership qualities, those are rarely defined.  Mike Myatt defines leadership as:

The professed desire and commitment to serve others by subordinating personal interests to the needs of those being led through effectively demonstrating the character, experience, humility, wisdom and discernment necessary to create the trust [&] influence to cause the right things, to happen for the right reasons, at the right times (2012).

In light of that definition, Myatt also goes on to state, “there is no perfect leader; only the right leader for a given situation (2012).  However, most researchers and writers agree on similar qualities that good leaders possess. 

• Good leaders are courageous.  They confront reality, actively seek feedback, and have the difficult conversations.  They encourage push back, take action, and lead change. 
• Good leaders communicate openly and frequently, do not hesitate to make decisions, freely give credit to others and hold people accountable. 
• Good leaders understand the importance of organization culture, building and maintaining relationships, and effective communication. Effective communication includes communicating expectations and asking questions. 
• Good leaders mold an organizational culture to make people feel safe to speak up and generate positive energy.  Relationships are solidified by continuous feedback and recognition for performance.  
• Good leaders know the difference between managing and leading.  Managers have employees, react to change, have all the good ideas, direct groups, try to be heroes, take credit, and exercise power over people.  Leaders win followers, create change, implement good ideas, persuade others, create teams, make heroes of everyone around them, take responsibility, and develop power within people.

Characteristics of a Bad Leader
       
Just as there are good leaders, conversely, there are bad ones.  Bad leaders are leaders who have failed or leaders who have succeeded but their methods were questionable.  Failure is viewed in a variety of ways depending on the various industries, organizations, and results; however, there have been many prominent leadership failures over time.  Most failed leaders have characteristics in common.  These characteristics include feeling invincible, being paralyzed by fear, failing to grow, not being passionate, failing to dream, feeling entitled, and having a sense of victimization.  On the other hand, other leaders have failed by gaining success at the expense of others.  These leaders may have done things that are illegal, made decisions that were unethical, utilized unsound methodology, or settled for strategies that were not innovative.

How to Become a Better Leader
           
There is hope for leaders who do not start off great.  Fortunately, there are strategies that they can implement to improve their performance as leaders.  This includes:

• improving communication effectiveness
• sharing expertise 
• encouraging others to do more and to be better
• developing a broader perspective for their organization
• setting an example for employees or followers
• championing their team’s new ideas
• recognizing when change is needed
• improving their ability to inspire and motivate others
• encouraging cooperation among team members 
• demonstrating humility and willingness to change or adapt

Leaders should build on the success of one change to propel into the next one and allow space and opportunity for good things to happen.  Leaders who are growing must understanding that good leadership is often about the intangibles in the leader’s personality which can diminish the effects of a perceived failure.  For example, Ernest Shackleton, an explorer, had an apparent failure when his ship sank during an expedition to the Antarctic.  However, his failure turned to success because he was able to get each of his men home safely after surviving in the Antarctic for two years.  Crewmembers cite Shackleton’s leadership as the reason they were able to survive.  Despite failure, leaders have the ability to get better and to experience success.      

Would you like to improve your leadership skills?  Schedule a free consultation today!