Qualities of a Great Business Leader – Manages Execution (Part 5)

The final dimension that I believe differentiates a great business leader from those who just manage their teams is how they execute. The great ones don’t just do the work, they GET IT DONE! No ifs, ands or buts.

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”

Manage Execution
Here are some of the qualities that make a true leader stand out from the crowd.

In no specific order, a leader….
1. Makes the tough decisions that others can’t
2. Is resourceful
3. Knows how to take action
4. Values his/her time and the time of others
5. Manages KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
6. Understands the importance of multi-tasking
7. Determines the necessary ROI (Return On Investment)
8. Delegates responsibilities according to core competencies
9. Sets goals
10. Sets up the team to succeed
11. Takes charge when the situation demands it
12. Develops the action plan
13. Foresees obstacles and has a contingency plan
14. Maneuvers through tough times
15. Builds trust and morale
16. Manages the team, resources, information, execution and delivery
17. Sets an achievable timeline
18. Raises the bar and brings out the best in everyone
19. Encourages cross-training
20. LEADS BY EXAMPLE

If you have any comments, please write them below. If you’re interested in a consultation or have questions, please email me at Robert@RobertFinkelstein.com.

Qualities of a Great Business Leader – Critical Thinker & Drives Change (Part 4)

How does a great business leader get the job done? I’d like to think that most people do get their job done, but something special differentiates the leaders from the rest of the pack. They seem to do so much more than just get the job done. What are those qualities?

Critical Thinker & Drives Change
Here are some of the qualities that make a true leader stand out from the crowd.

In no specific order, a leader….
1. Focuses on what’s important
2. Looks at multiple solutions
3. Stays current on trends and competition
4. Doesn’t accept the obvious
5. Challenges what can’t be defended
6. Asks the right questions and delves deep
7. Supports broad thinking and the quest for knowledge
8. Anticipates what others neglect to consider
9. Analyzes data in order to make educated decisions
10. Plans for the future

11. Possesses a “can do” attitude
12. Leads with both a toughness and a compassion
13. Explains the “why’s”
14. Takes action when he/she feels sufficiently informed
15. Adapts to an ever-changing landscape
16. Innovates and brings out the best in the team
17. Strategies and implements the plan
18. Shows flexibility and adaptability when needed
19. Delegates what can be done by others
20. Uses his/her experience to confidently make decisions

If you have any comments, please write them below. If you’re interested in a consultation or have questions, please email me at Robert@RobertFinkelstein.com.

Qualities of a Great Business Leader – Relationships & Communications (Part 3)

Let’s continue to explore the many dimensions that make up a great business leader. It’s really not very complicated, but it does take dedication and integrity to even get started down the path of excellence.

Relationship & Communications
Here are some of the qualities that make a true leader stand out from the crowd.

In no specific order, a leader….
1. Is respectful of everyone
2. Knows how to negotiate win/win scenarios
3. Builds networks within and outside of the company
4. Is liked by his/her team and people want to work with him/her
5. Is approachable, considerate and welcoming
6. Treats everyone fairly
7. Seeks partnerships
8. Is a team player
9. Inspires
10. Rewards commitment, and doesn’t obtain compliance
11. Praises, giving credit where credit is due
12. Truly listens
13. Communicates well, getting his/her message across and understood
14. Is quick on his/her feet
15. Speaks and listens well
16. Disseminates information, respects confidentiality and shares what’s pertinent
17. Values what others have to share
18. Conveys his/her message clearly, concisely and with passion
19. Allows others to voice their opinions, even when contrary to his/her own
20. Is generally a strong orator and writer

If you have any comments, please write them below. If you’re interested in a consultation or have questions, please email me at Robert@RobertFinkelstein.com.

Qualities of a Great Business Leader – Manage Performance & Build Trust (Part 2)

There are bosses and there are leaders. They can be one in the same, or very different. Few individuals really become great business leaders, probably because they’re not willing to invest the time and energy it takes. But those dedicated ones that do, make a world of difference…luckily.

Manage Performance & Build Trust
Here are some of the qualities that make a true leader stand out from the crowd.

In no specific order, a leader….
1. Understands the needs of the company, and hires and recruits the most talented candidates
2. Knows how to measure skills and provide constructive feedback
3. Promotes empowerment, giving just the right amount of responsibility to match the individual’s ability
4. Holds his/her team accountable
5. Encourages individuality and builds self-confidence
6. Celebrates success of others
7. Takes action when performance does not meet expectations
8. Supports individual learning and growth
9. Creates an environment that encourages trust
10. Leads by example, and shows accountability by following through on his/her responsibilities
11. Admits when he/she makes a mistake and learns from it
12. Tells the truth
13. Is honest, sincere and credible
14. Is respectful and maintains confidentiality
15. Acts fair and impartial, and never misrepresents himself/herself for personal gain
16. Encourages openness
17. Says what he/she means, and means what he/she says
18. Holds a high standard of integrity

If you have any comments, please write them below. If you’re interested in a consultation or have questions, please email me at Robert@RobertFinkelstein.com.

Qualities of a Great Business Leader – Accountability & Courage (Part 1) by Robert Finkelstein

What qualities make someone a great business leader? The profile of such a person includes many dimensions, which I’ll lay out over the next few days.

John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” I completely agree, but how does one do that?

Accountability and Courage
Here are some of the qualities that make a true leader stand out from the crowd.

In no specific order, a leader….
1. Understands his/her strengths and acknowledges his/her weaknesses
2. Takes responsibility for his/her actions and performance
3. Is a decision maker
4. Is resilient; learns from mistakes…and successes
5. Is committed to improvement, growth, learning, personal development
6. Gets the job done and manages his/her work and life balance
7. Works quickly and efficiently
8. Encourages and provides constructive feedback
9. Is willing to step out of his/her comfort zone and experience new challenges
10. Is self-confident, and will respectfully defend a point of view
11. Is not a follower, and will voice an unpopular opinion if he/she believes in it
12. Will take calculated risks
13. Is proactive, not reactive
14. Faces challenges head on
15. LEADS BY EXAMPLE

If you’re interested in a complimentary 30-minute business strategy session with Robert Finkelstein, for more information, please refer to Behind the Scenes Consulting. If you have questions, please email Robert at Consulting@RobertFinkelstein.com. Your comments are welcomed below. Thank you.