Leaders need to be decisive and stay tenaciously on track. Fundamentally this means maintaining a persistent focus on their goals as much as possible and doing all that they can to motivate others. The list below describes what many of the most decisive and persistent leaders do in practice to achieve this:

  1. Conveys a sense of urgency in achieving the desired results; shows others how to act quickly and responsively.
  2. Demonstrates clear purpose, enthusiasm and commitment to own goals. Directs his or her attention fully on the task; minimizes distractions; focuses on results, not just activities and long hours.
  3. Doesn’t give up easily, even when his/her work is not utilized, or fully adopted and continues to produce and thrive even when his/her ideas are met with resistance and/or disinterest.
  4. Encourages employees to set ambitious goals; rewards efforts and achievements; gives credit where credit is due; serves as an example to others in personal performance terms.
  5. Handles multiple projects effectively; isn’t upset by too many things up-in-the-air; shifts gears quickly and comfortably.
  6. Has a broad perspective on what is important; participates in setting own personal goals.
  7. Inspires others through own drive and determination to meet ambitious goals and objectives; Mobilizes people to accept tough challenges willingly.
  8. Is able to effectively manage time to set and achieve demanding deadlines; projects a sense of urgency and brings issues and projects to closure.
  9. Is not easily discouraged by lack of progress; tries another tactic cheerfully and willingly.
  10. Is persistent and dogged about meeting deadlines, even when faced with unexpected obstacles; follows through with work to completion; doesn’t let things drop.
  11. Maneuvers well around roadblocks in a complex, ever-changing environment. Pursues everything with energy, drive, and a need to finish; perseveres in the face of adversity.
  12. Pursues opportunities for self-improvement on a continuous basis.
  13. Requests assignments that will build his/her skills and knowledge base.
  14. Sets definite time-frames for task and project completion and holds him/herself and subordinates accountable for deadlines.
  15. Takes the initiative to push beyond what is expected; works hard to improve performance and test own limits.
  16. Understands how the organization functions and can get things done through formal channels as well as informal networks.
  17. Understands that people are driven by different factors (i.e., challenge, money, doing well, etc.); knows how to look for that motivation and then applies appropriate motivators differentially.
  18. Works effectively in ambiguous situations; steps forward to establish a structure; seeks out unstructured situations as opportunities to demonstrate leadership.

reblogged from readytomanage.com

Dr. Jon Warner