Leadership is ultimately about producing results. This is the third leadership tent pole. Leaders can have talent and character, but unless they produce sustained, impressive results for their organization, they simply are not good leaders.
One study of 1000 managers showed that the best managers translate ideas into action. They push to take the next step forward by bringing energy, enthusiasm, and urgency to their role. They continually look for ways to improve. These leaders are in the driver's seat, with a foot on the accelerator—pressed to the floorboard most of the time.
How do leaders focus on results? Extraordinary leaders do the following:
- Establish stretch goals for their people.
- Take personal responsibility for the outcomes of the group.
- Provide ongoing feedback and coaching to their people.
- Set lofty targets for the group to achieve.
- Personally sponsor an initiative or action.
- Initiate new programs, projects, processes, client relationships, or technology.
- Focus on organization goals and ensure that they are translated into actions by their department.
- Operate with speed and intensity; accelerate the pace of the group.
- Champion the cause of the customer.
- Balance long-term and short-term objectives.
The best leaders get things accomplished, even under duress. They choose the right goals and follow through.
These are some ways to bring about results:
Know what the organization expects: Ask, "What does the organization expect from my department?" "From me personally?" The answers can be quite eye-opening.
Stay focused on long-term results: We've all seen executives who can make earnings soar - temporarily. Extraordinary leaders resist the urge to sacrifice long-term for short-term results. They keep the welfare of the organization ahead of their own personal agendas.
Take action: Extraordinary leaders wake up in the morning with a plan and put it into effect. They don't always wait for permission before moving ahead. Instead, they simply try new things.
