A key leadership attribute is having a keen understanding of the destination.  And most importantly how to get there.

Givving Direction

The first step toward achievement of a goal is clearly understanding the big picture.  What is the overall objective and how  and where do individual goals fit on the path to the overall objective.

Effective leaders not only  guide and direct the journey but monitor the quality and effectiveness of the achievements along rhe way.  It never ceases to amaze me when I hear a leader or manager exclaim “Thats not what I wanted”.

Of course another favorite is “Stop asking all these questions, just do it”  For me these kind of directions come from those with more managerial tendencies (a boss, supervisor or even a parent).

Leaders Seek the Optimal Result

Giving direction and guidance can lead to results but it’s important to qualify that results alone do not equal success.

Understanding the work that is being done, to ensure the goals and objectives align is not about micro managing or inflexibility.  Rather it is guiding achievement without interfering, micro managing or doing it yourself.  No one said leadership was easy.

How is this possible

Most importantly construct an environment for open ongoing and frequent communication.  Too often leaders hide behind the door to their office (a badge of success – the office that is).

Communication, voluntary, exuberant, two way and frank is the only way a leader can grasp what is occurring without becoming over involved and directive.  That is encourage everyone to discuss openly and freely about what is going on.

A free and open exchange of ideas with the right touch and balance of direction and validation the the goal is being approached, that is what you seek.