Without wanting to oversimplify a complex topic, I would like to share an alphabetic approach to leadership.

Asking the right questions
Being the right person
Choosing the right vision and values
Doing the right things

Asking the right questions

The quality of your life is dependent on the quality of the questions you ask. For example if you ask “Why is this all messed up?” then you will be answered with blame or justification, however, if you ask, “What can we do to fix this?” you are more likely to get co-operation and solution focused suggestions.

Leaders are skilled at asking questions of themselves and others. A question can be a thousand times more powerful than a statement for creating change, because people will often resist being told but their brains will automatically go in the direction you send it with a question.

The right questions assist a leader to get accurate feedback. Instead of accepting generic comments such as that was ‘good’ or ‘bad’, the leader will ask – “How specifically was it good/ bad? Against what criteria?” “When was this done?” “How specifically was it done?” “And who was it done with?”

Questions enable a leader to coach and to be coached to improve performance. So, what do you need to question?

Being the right Person

This refers to your self-matrix – your human being rather than your human doing. Outstanding leaders have a high degree of self-awareness. They know their own strengths and limitations and accept and appreciate these.

Effective leaders have a high level of self-belief in their own greatness and the responsibility and persistence to make their goals and visions come true. Leaders are aware of their mind-body-emotional state and how to be in the right state for the right task. Self-leadership includes being aware of the ‘triggers’ that set you off and so being able to regulate your behaviour even when provoked.

Choosing a Vision and Values

Leaders have intention – they know what they want to achieve and what they value. Leaders can clearly communicate those values because people are motivated by a leader who knows where he/she is going. Have you considered your vision for 2009-2014? Common modern leadership values include – courage, integrity, contribution, and acknowledgment. What do you value?

Doing the Right Things

Leaders have and develop certain competencies. They constantly source information via networking. They have the ability to read people and know what motivates them. They give credit to others first before taking it for themselves. Most importantly leaders are prepared to ACT and act NOW.

What do you need to do this week that will move you towards your vision?

So how did you measure up to the ABCD’s of leadership? How does your boss?