Shouldn’t it be the responsibility, and / or purpose, of a true leader to make a consistent difference, for the better, for his constituents and his organization? Although many people, who are elected, selected or promoted to leadership positions, claim that they can make changes, which helps everyone involved, after more than four decades, of participation, in almost every aspect, related. To lead, from identifying and qualifying, to training, developing and mentoring thousands of actual and / or potential leaders, I have come to believe, how one handles certain challenges, is the most significant indication, of yes (or, no), one is fit, to lead! With this in mind, this article will briefly attempt to consider, examine, review, and discuss the 5 challenges leaders face and how they handle them, determine their outcomes (positive, negative, or status quo).
1. Overcome misinterpretations by making valuable personal connections: The most effective leaders need to reach out to their stakeholders (current, past, and potential) and try to make valuable personal connections – especially, if / when, that means you need to get out there and expand your personal comfort zone. One of the biggest obstacles to leading effectively is ensuring much less confusion and misinterpretations of your words and actions. The better one ensures that he personally connects with others and communicates with them, the greater the opportunity, the more he will earn their respect and trust.
2. Develop the right leaders: One of the most important causes, we seem to be witnessing, such a glaring shortage of genuine leaders, in so many organizations, these days, is that very few of them take the time and / or make a concerted effort to commit to use of consistently have a professionally designed and custom-built leadership training program, and have all leaders undergo this training, etc.
3. Time limitations: Although some organizations pay their leaders for their time and efforts, most depend on volunteers! However, since by definition volunteering means you are likely to have another job, there are often time constraints that affect anyone’s commitment. Part of training volunteer leaders should therefore be to ensure that new leaders understand the expectations / needs of time, as well as to use one’s efforts more effectively, from a time perspective.
Four. Strategic planning: Unless / until one commits to the entire process and necessary actions regarding strategic planning, it will reduce its effectiveness, relevance and sustainability! One’s strategy should emphasize service and representation, as the highest priority and, in a relevant, sustainable way.
5. Rhetoric / promises, versus plan of action: Empty promises and rhetoric fail to achieve what is needed and what is necessary, but creating a well-considered action plan, based on the results of in-depth strategic planning, often does.
How one handles obstacles, often differentiates, a true leader, and the rest of the pack! To be a true leader, these must be perceived as challenges to overcome, while lesser individuals perceive them as problems!