Leadership often takes on the responsibility for guiding and motivating a group of people who probably have very different ideas, abilities and attitudes. Every leader faces unique challenges and problems.

While no perfect formula exists, the following represent traits of most successful leaders (insert “employees” for “team members” if applicable):

1. Communicate Clearly. 

• Organize before you communicate.
• Run through the steps before you begin speaking; jot down notes when you’re explaining something complicated. 
  
• Monitor your tone.
• Be sensitive to the effect your words can have. Ask “How would I feel if my boss said the same thing to me?”
• Send clear message.
• Don’t let distracting body language dilute or confuse your message.
• Check to make sure people understand.
• Ask “Do you need me to run through the procedure again?”

• Identify strengths and weaknesses
• Together, map out improvement plans for each individual. Provide training using in-house, qualified teachers if possible to build further teamwork.
  
• Help team members find mentors
  
• Have new members “buddy-up” with established workers. Pair-up people from different departments.
  
• Encourage lifelong learning
  
• Recognize the value of an intellectually curious and stimulated worker. Allow study time at work or pay for college/vocational courses on worker’s own time.

3. Establish and Enforce Standards

• State standards so they're concrete
  
• Use measurable statements that are not fuzzy or unclear.
  
• Create a scoreboard
  
• Let members know how they’re measuring up against expectations.

4. Present the Big Picture

• Communicate the company’s vision
  
• How do your worker’s fit into the organization? Show them!
  
• Show the team its contribution
  
• Use charts for progress; how each person affects the bottom line.