At Austin Communication Group, we are privileged to work with some really great leaders. People who believe in leading from the front, not just telling others what to do. Our main goal this year is to continue developing our best people and guiding them to become amazing leaders. A team of leaders beats a team of great salesmen any day.
1. Great leaders aren't afraid to get personal. We've all heard the saying, "it's not personal, it's business." Great leaders understand that business is personal. Business is about the people around you that make up the team, so doesn't it make sense to understand those people? If you want to get the best out of someone, you have to understand how he thinks, perceives information, and what experiences he's had that make him the way he is.
3. Great leaders don't wait for a leadership title. John Maxwell, the guru on leadership, wrote a book called The 360 Degree Leader. If you haven't read it, pick up a copy ASAP! Maxwell discusses the idea of learning to influence those around you, below you, or even above you. You don't need to wait for a promotion or a fancy title in order to set the right example and positively influence others.
4. Great leaders can cast vision. We've all had managers who have barked orders and told us WHAT to do, but really great leaders help us understand WHY we're doing it. A good manager keeps everyone in line and helps the organization run like a well-oiled machine, but a great leader can set out a vision for the organization that inspires everyone to work with a purpose towards that end goal.
5. Great leaders are the rock. Everyone needs a certain amount of consistency in the workplace. A boss who comes in everyday in a different mood can be hard to look up to. Part of being a great leader is being reliable: they arrive at the office at the same time everyday, they answer your emails in a consistent timeframe, they have a cool disposition for the most part, and although they can get heated, they are usually even-keel.
Austin Communication Group is a sales and marketing firm in Austin, TX. We have three locations, and have big goals for expansion in 2014. Check out our website at austincommunicationgroup.com, and "like" our company Facebook page.
Copyright 2014 Austin Communication Group
