Ever wonder how to lead people?

Before answering that very important question, let’s dig in a little.

The question is essentially a behavioral question. “How to lead people” concerns Actions. (See the REAL Leader Framework).  Those who want to know how to lead people are asking for tips about particular behaviors and specific actions–the “doing” part of leadership.

A different way to approach leadership effectiveness has to do with who. Who is capable of being a great leader? Anyone?  This question concerns leader traits, personality factors, experience, mind-set, interpersonal skills, industry knowledge, raw talents, emotional intelligence, and other characteristics or attributes of effective leaders. (These issues concern the Leader factor in the REAL Framework.)

“How do I measure the effectiveness of my leadership?” is another question worth asking. One of the most effective ways to measure a leader’s effectiveness concerns the leader’s impact on “followers.” That is, are they engaged in their work with heart and soul. Do they truly believe in the leader? Do they trust him/her? Do they find him/her credible? (These are the Engagement factors in the REAL Framework.) And of course ultimately, effective leaders get Results. They win the game. (The Results factor.) (more…)