Sixteen Standards of Leadership & Parenting
There are many qualities that contribute to the making of a great leader. For now, let’s focus on 16 standards of leadership. Here are the first eight; the next eight will be covered in Part Two.
1. Manage People Individually
For any business leader or parent to be successful, they must lead and guide people individually rather than in groups. It is acceptable, and even encouraged, to offer praise and accolades in a group setting. However, any constructive criticism, disciplinary action, or coaching must be done one-on-one.
2. Lead by Example
“Do as I say, not as I do” is an ineffective leadership approach. As a business leader or parent, you must follow all company or personal standards, expectations, rules, and procedures. The people you lead will comply if they see you adhering to the expectations and doing things the right way. A great leader creates great followers by setting the example first.
3. Instill Discipline Within Your Organization
People may complain about rules and expectations, but in reality, most people need them. People want to know what is expected and appreciate consistent enforcement of the rules. Leaders should:
- Understand and justify rules and regulations.
- Clearly explain and teach adherence to them.
- Consistently enforce them.
- Take necessary disciplinary actions to maintain compliance while providing positive reinforcement. Ideally, there should be a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative feedback, with 10:1 being the ultimate goal.
- Document all rules and expectations. If it isn’t written, it isn’t real.
4. The Golden Rule of Leadership
Treat others the way you want to be treated. If you treat people like children, they will act like children. Conversely, if you treat people like adults, they will rise to the expectation. The days of managing by fear, intimidation, and belittling are long gone. Respect and dignity foster motivation and responsibility.
5. Lead with Objective Information
Leadership, training, coaching, and discipline must be based on objective, measurable data. While personal opinions are natural, decisions about people should be rooted in facts. For example, instead of saying, “I think you could have done a better job cleaning your room,” say, “A clean room does not have dirty laundry under the bed. Please place your laundry in the basket.” The same is true in business. You cannot tell somebody they need to improve their productivity. Tell them specifically what they need to do in order to increase productivity. This approach removes subjectivity and reduces defensiveness.
6. Be Goal-Oriented
A key role of a leader or parent is to set goals for the group and individuals, as well as guide them in setting their own. Discussing goals, achievements, setbacks, and offering praise fosters a goal-oriented environment. Regular conversations about progress keep individuals engaged and accountable.
7. Get Involved
Effective leaders and parents are actively involved with their teams or families. Leadership from a distance is ineffective. Business leaders should attend presentations, ride along with employees, and provide real-time feedback. Parents should attend school functions, parent-teacher conferences, and sports events. Engagement demonstrates commitment and support.
8. Be Direct and To the Point
The best way to communicate is with directness and clarity. Indirect or vague messaging can lead to misinterpretation. People want to know where they stand and what is expected. One of my grandsons once asked me, “Will you tell me if you’re ever disappointed in me?” I responded, “Absolutely.” Clear communication builds trust and accountability.
Final Thoughts
Many of these principles are common sense, yet many leaders and parents fail to apply them consistently. Your people are the key to your success, and by following these standards, you will help them reach their full potential.
In Part Two, we will explore eight more leadership standards to further enhance your effectiveness.
Tips for Maximum Benefit
Share your biggest takeaway in the comments section. I would love to hear from you!
Reread this information and write down your top two takeaways.
Reflect on how they apply to your situation.
When speaking with your audience, develop personal stories and analogies that illustrate these principles.