The Leadership Blueprint: Mastering DERA - Decisiveness, Engagement, Reliability, and Adaptability
Thrive Micro-Action Challenge: Engage your team: One way to engage your team is to delegate. Mastering the art of delegation took time and practice for me. It is still a work in progress. For those who share similar traits, consider identifying one project or task that one of your direct reports can effectively deliver or a project that your direct report can take on as a learning opportunity. Think about who to best delegate this task to, ensuring it aligns with their capabilities, development needs, or strengths.
Why this challenge? Are you a leader or someone who wants to become a leader. Well, in this article. we will explore core competencies essential for leaders to master, along with practical ways to improve these skills immediately. Whether you are an emerging leader or an experienced executive, these strategies will help you enhance your leadership capabilities and drive your team towards greater success.
1.Decisiveness
Why it matters:
Decision-making is at the core of effective leadership. The ability to confidently choose a course of action not only drives organizations forward but also empowers you, paving the way for innovation and growth, especially in times of uncertainty.
Success Multiplier: Decisive leaders, like you, are 12 times more likely to succeed. This statistic should inspire and motivate you to hone your decision-making skills.
Practical Ways to Improve:
Make Decisions Faster: Evaluate if you're "sitting on the decision." Prioritize speed over precision for most decisions and keep progressing.
Limit Information Gathering: Gather enough information to make an informed decision but avoid analysis paralysis. Set a timeline for your decision-making process.
Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Accept that not every decision will be perfect. Use mistakes as a tool to refine your decision-making skills.
2.Engaging for Impact
Why it matters:
Being decisive is just the beginning. You must also mobilize your team or organization to act on collective decisions in ways that drive results. This collective effort, rallying everyone behind your vision, from junior members to senior leaders, is what truly makes an impact.
Success Multiplier: Leaders who engage for impact are nine times more likely to succeed.
Practical Ways to Improve:
Active Listening: Listen to understand, not just to respond. This builds rapport and trust.
Empower Your Team: Delegate effectively, giving others the space to grow and contribute meaningfully.
Communicate with Purpose: Tailor your message to your audience. Use stories and examples to inspire and clarify your vision.
3.Relentless Reliability
Why it matters:
Reliability is the foundation of trust and credibility. Leaders seen as dependable are often given more opportunities and responsibilities because stakeholders know they can count on them to deliver. Holding yourself to the highest standards allows you to expect the same from others.
Success Multiplier: Relentlessly reliable leaders are 15 times more likely to succeed.
Practical Ways to Improve:
Master Time Management: Prioritize tasks daily, use tools or apps to track deadlines, and always under-promise and over-deliver.
Consistent Communication: Keep your team and superiors informed about project statuses and potential roadblocks.
Develop a System: Implement checklists or systems to ensure everything is noticed. This could be as simple as a daily review of tasks and commitments.
4.Adapting Boldly
Why it matters:
The only constant in business is change. Pivoting and embracing new challenges is crucial for growth and survival in today's fast-paced world.
Success Multiplier: Leaders who adapt boldly are six times more likely to succeed.
Practical Ways to Improve:
Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and shifts. This will help you anticipate changes rather than merely react to them.
Embrace a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Seek feedback and be open to experimenting.
Build a Diverse Network: Surround yourself with people from various backgrounds and industries. This can provide fresh perspectives and insights when facing challenges.
