By Andrea R. Nierenberg
 
1. Learn to delegate
Delegation has two benefits. Firstly, you do not get cluttered
with too many (detailed) tasks allowing you to focus on your role. Secondly, delegation says that you have confidence in the person you are assigning a task to and inspires motivation. Without leaders delegating tasks, others will never be able to use their God-given talents. Besides not only do you give yourself a break but also, you are actually training future leaders.
 
2. Don't be attached to the result
Don't take it personally if things fall apart or just don't go the way you planned. There are many factors that contribute to success and you, as a leader, are just part of the equation.
 
3. Love people not just results
Learn to be people-oriented as opposed to focusing solely on the results. Remember, people make results. So take care of them.
 
4. Develop the art of listening
Listen to your peers, those you lead and those you report to. You will be surprised by what you hear. There is much wisdom to be gleaned so grab as much as you can.
 
5. Multiply yourself
Always looks out for individuals you can invest in with the aim of duplicating yourself. This way you promote yourself out of a role.
 
6. Learn to ask for help
At times, the only thing that stops us from asking for help is pride. Always tap into the expertise of others and be open to advice, ideas and new ways of doing things.
 
7. Your personal needs
Try not to have your personal needs met in your leadership role. The reason is that you stand a chance of focusing solely on meeting these needs as opposed to leading others. This, in itself, can lead to major problems. Find creative ways to have your needs met outside work and/or your leadership environment.
 
8. Resolve issues as soon as they arise
Deal with issues immediately and do not tolerate them. However, where people are concerned, endeavor to make everyone a winner!
 
9. Enhance your natural abilities
Equip yourself with skills that will enhance your natural abilities to lead. Don't just rely on what you feel, know or believe. The chances are that there are better ways of doing what you do!
 
10. Plan ahead
Always be one step ahead of those you are leading. Plan both for future events as well as contingencies. This way, whatever happens, you are ready.
 
 
Andrea R. Nierenberg, bestselling author and world-renowned business authority, has been called a “networking success story” by The Wall Street Journal, Andrea Nierenberg is founder and president of The Nierenberg Group.