Most managers have an idea about their leadership beliefs. There are actions they adhere to as well as things they avoid. I was the same. However, when I took the time to think about my leadership credo and write it down, it become clearer. And not only that, it was something I could share with my team and future leaders. A few years ago, I wrote the following leadership credo to introduce a leadership development course. Its contents are nothing new. Every point may not exactly fit you and your team, but it doesn’t matter, because my goal for this post is that you take the time to fill the blank page with your own leadership credo.
My Leadership Credo
- Maintain integrity and adhere to a code of ethics
- Create and share a vision (Where the organization is going, how you will get there, and why)
- Share a mission (Why what you do is important to your clients and your teammates)
- One of the biggest mistakes managers make is believing others think, learn, communicate, and are motivated the same as the manager. Take the time to learn how others process.
- Commit to giving your best effort at all times regardless the activity. If you don’t, what example are you setting?
- Embrace personal accountability, rather than looking to place blame with others. It’s not who’s right it’s what’s right.
- Show a commitment to excellence in customer service
- Treat employees as well as you treat your customers
- Be the best teammate you can be
- Strive for individual improvement, growth, and continuous learning
- Rise to the challenges before you
- Follow policies and procedures. If you don’t have them, engage the team in developing them. If they don’t work, improve them
- Give expectations to others, instruct them on how to proceed, and follow-up with everyone
- Listening is understanding. Listening is wanting to hear. Do not listen to reply, listen to learn.
- If you’re unsure, ask
- Take notes
- Ask others if they understand
- Set meaningful goals, based on activities, and then track them. A goal without a plan is a wish
- Have fun! Laugh!
What’s Your Leadership Credo?
What would you add to this list? What holds true and has meaning for you? So, are you ready to fill the blank page?
How Can I Help You?
I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me.
So, does your business have a management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.
Photo by ASHLEY EDWARDS on Unsplash
