There’s no one-size-fits-all rulebook for leading people. But there are two indispensable traits that successful leaders must exhibit:
- credibility, and
- communication skills.
Skimp on one of those two areas and people will doubt your abilities. Close to 10% of companies will consider a CFO for an opening at CEO — but not if the finance chief isn’t seen as a leader. Similarly businesses will go outside the company for a new CFO if there’s not a suitable replacement at the controller level.
The good news: Most chiefs aren’t the “born leader” type. They fail along the way at various points. The ones who rise to the top aren’t afraid to learn from their mistakes and they learn to pattern their behaviors around the successful mentors they work for or alongside.
Here are some of the most important steps to take to become a credible and communicative leader:
Leadership Reality? Credibility is Earned Over Time
- When you make promises, deliver.
- Never make promises you can’t keep. Or promises that you’d like to keep, but can’t guarantee.
- Keep your word. That goes for projects you say you’ll handle, discussing a staffer’s problems, etc.
- Set high expectations for the job you do.
- Be the first person in the door each morning, and don’t be the first one out the door at the end of the day.
- Take the heat for team mistakes and share the praise with staff for jobs well done.
No Communication Breakdowns Allowed
- When you can share info that your people care about, let them know. ASAP.
- Tell the truth, even when it might “bring people down” or hurt morale.
- Don’t vent about issues with clients or other departments with your staffers.
- Keep your door open. Closed doors make some people think you can’t be bothered. They can also make some people worry in this rough economy.
- Say “hello” and smile first when you see staffers. That lets people know you’re up front and available to talk, any time.
