Part 2 of Functions of a Leader
In "The Functions of a Leader (Part 1)" article we discussed the first three leader functions of Planning, Organizing and Staffing. Now we will look at the other three functions in becoming an effective leader.
4. Acting
This is the action function of the leader's role. This is when the work gets done. It is the leader's responsibility to observe and to analyze to be sure everything is on track and being accomplished. Here's where the time management skills have to be in place for the leader and the team.
Action is the process of doing something in order to achieve a purpose. To act is the action of carrying something out; to do something to change a situation. The leader models by being diligent, persistent and committed. Good coaching skills are needed to keep the team focused and moving toward the goals.
5. Controlling
This word is not defined as being dominating or oppressing, but means to monitor and check for the results.
This leadership function is very important in monitoring performance, checking to see if the team is meeting goals, and checking back for any issues that may be brewing. This is where the leader is
- assessing the progress;
- identifying any problem;
- if there are some to solve them to keep moving on;
- re-looking at road blocks; and
- encouraging the team.
The leader needs to be open to making changes if needed.
The leader can't procrastinate and needs to deal with the issues that come about. Here again effective communication skills are very important, especially being able to give constructive (not negative) feedback to keep the team or an individual employee on track. The leader needs to understand the company's discipline policy if they are counseling an employee for improvement.
The leader has to exhibit good time management skills including
- how to say "no";
- keeping everyone focused on the goal; and
- checking timetables, resources, the people involved.
Coaching skills are essential here including giving feedback, conveying trust and inspiring everyone.
6. People
Just as someone in your past led you and developed you to grow in your career, you must be willing to grow your employees. An effective leader grows their people as a team and individually by giving of themselves through modeling and serving.
This function encompasses many attributes and skills the leader can share with others by listening and observing; teaching and developing; delegating and empowering which motivates the employee to grow.
I have been very fortunate over the years to have had great leaders who mentored and taught me so I could grow as a person and leader. I had a manager sit down with me many years ago and told me that I needed to develop my business writing skills. He felt my memos and documents were very weak and ineffective. I took a business writing course and worked with this person to develop the skills. Now I am writing articles, developing training courses and have even been paid to write speeches for other people.
If that manager hadn't taken the time to talk with me, I know this weakness would have hindered the growth of my career. I am very thankful he had the courage to sit me down and gave me the constructive feedback.
Being able to effectively communicate and coach your employees is a great attribute. It creates a great working environment and builds relationships.
Conclusion
Being a leader isn't just having a title. It has great responsibility, authority and accountability built into it. Is it easy to be accomplished in all of these functions? No, but by stepping out and growing yourself to become more than ordinary, makes you extraordinary. You will find you will have less turnover and discipline issues because the good people will want to work for a good leader.
