The 12 'Ps' of Effective Leaders

January is the month of changes, transitions and resolutions. With the advent of the New Year (and new leadership for our country) business owners and operators should take stock of their leadership abilities.

Leaders-historical or present day, political, religious or entrepreneurial-come in all shapes and sizes. Yet when analyzing the traits and skill-sets that contribute to success, a number of common characteristics emerge. In your quest to increase your insight and understanding of your staff and colleagues, review this list of "12 Ps" to enhance your "effectiveness quotient" as the leader of your enterprise.

1. Personality. Have an outgoing style. "Working the crowd" is a useful and enjoyable skill. Another useful trait is the ability to remember personal characteristics, such as names, items about family, etc.
   
   
2. Persuasive. Possess good communication skills. You must be able to speak and write clearly. And you must be able to communicate in the style or jargon of your group or organization. Remember the old KISS principle (keep it simple, sweetie).
   
   
3. Persistent. Keep trying. Change is, and should be, slow. If change occurs too fast, people become uncertain about what is "right," good or appropriate. They lose their sense of security. But if the idea is good, the results may last decades and affect many people. Also realize that in historical perspective, the changes you are working toward are small and incremental.
   
   
4. Patient. There are times when you will need to relax and wait for events/time to pass. Most people will cool down with time. Most things, especially if they are worthwhile, do not happen quickly. Self-discipline is an essential trait for leadership.
   
   
5. Perceptive. Be sensitive to other people's wants and needs and to changes in those wants and needs over time. Genuine interest in another person will often foster a sense of trust in you by that person. The ability to listen is an essential skill of a good leader.
   
   
6. Probity. Be honest and trustworthy, now and in the future. Most people will follow someone they trust.
   
   
7. Praise-giving. Almost all people like praise and compliments—as long as it is given in a sincere manner. The folk saying, "praise in public and criticize in private," is also worth keeping in mind.
   
   
8. People-based. Leadership must be of, by and for the people.
   
   
9. Positive orientation. The future is bright and optimistic. Promote the viewpoint that the future can be better than today, and that things can and will improve. Reinforce that problems can be solved by our actions.
   
   
10. Practical. A leader must realize that pleasing all the people all of the time is not possible. A leader must be practical in decisions made catering to the majority, perceptive enough to realize when the majority is right, and strong enough to take action without the support of the majority when the majority is wrong.
    
    
11. Progressive. An effective leader will move the group forward. Incorporating new strategies in leadership and communications is important.
    
    
12. Possible. A leader must be realistic to determine the art of the possible, and how much can realistically be accomplished in the time available.

- Adapted from material authored by Dr. Rex Campbell, Professor of Sociology, University of Missouri-Columbia. Reviewed and revised by Jackie Rasmussen. 2/20/08