The Top Four Burdens in Any Leadership Role

I am a leader by choice. I simply detest a situation where something needs to get done, everyone knows it, and no-one makes the decisions necessary to get it done. When I find myself in these situations I will quickly take charge, make the decision and implement whatever actions are necessary to get things moving. There are burdens that accompany this type of leadership. Below I list them along with ways to manage them and keep things moving.

1. Burden Number One - Dissent. Finally, the decision is made and there is a plan formulated toward momentum. The very people who did nothing or stood there with their arms crossed, now have idea's and input. "Oh really, cause when I asked you before you didn't know and had no idea's" UGH! This is number one because it is one of the most irritating situations for a leader. A good way to manage this type of situation though is to remain flexible, accept input, compromise if necessary and keep things moving forward.

2.Burden Number Two - Missing link. The decision is made. The plan has been formulated. You are ready to charge on full speed ahead , but oh wait a minute, you are missing a key ingredient, whether it be a tool you need, a key piece of information, an extra set of hands to perform a task. Progress comes to a standstill and you are about to watch your head explode right off of your shoulders. In this situation your creative skills are put to the test and you must ask yourself what is the best and quickest way to get the missing piece so that the project can move forward. Get on the phone, the Internet or in your car and get the puzzle put back together swiftly.

3.Burden Number Three - Inactive, ineffective, unengaged team members. You are working your tail off to meet or exceed your deadline and manage the team, but when you stop briefly, to touch base one or more of the team members are lagging behind in a task. The reason is unimportant. You as a leader must get them back in the game and quickly. Ask if they need support, pick up a task and complete it yourself or give them a quickie pep talk to help them get back on track. Re-state the goal, the deadline, and the steps. Be sure they understand
clearly their expected contribution.

4.Burden Number Four - Distractions. You have a goal to meet. A deadline approaching and everywhere you look there is chaos. Some people function at their best in chaos, others, will fall to pieces. As a leader it is your challenge to find a middle ground so that everyone can cohesively do their part towards reaching the goal and deadline. Close doors, delegate the mundane, pick up the slack where can. Steady progression is what is needed.

Things to remember about being a Leader. The team is looking to you as a role model. The clearer you are about goals and expectations the greater the chances of success. Also when a team wins, all of it's members benefit and that will increase the likelihood of winning again. Everyone loves to be part of a winning team.:)