10 Smart Ways Leaders Can Bring Out the Best in Others

You are a leader. Everyone is a leader. It doesn't matter if your title is Chairman of the Board or 3rd Assistant to the Supply Room Manager, you lead every time you influence others to do what you want. It's a skill that starts at birth (doesn't a newborn baby run her house?). As a smart adult, you have refined your natural leadership skills in order to influence others to willingly do what you want.

Here is a list of 10 smart ways leaders can bring out the best in others. See how well developed your leadership skills are. Give yourself 1 point for each that you already do.

1. Instead of saying you care, show them.

2. Have a vision and inspire people by staying true to your vision.

3. Be passionate when talking about your vision.

4. Clearly communicate to others how you expect them to fulfill that vision.

5. Listen to their concerns.

6. Communicate how following your vision benefits them.

7. Surround yourself with people who are "wind beneath your wings" and, as best you can, eliminate or minimize contact with people who bring you down.

8. Delegate tasks that help others discover and maximize their talents.

9. Show appreciation -- a sincere, written "thank you" can be a major (and no cost) motivator.

10. Keep your word.

I hope you're a perfect 10. Practicing these 10 smart ways leaders can bring out the best in others will encourage people to do what you want and cause them to remark that you are a natural-born leader.

Doug Smart is the coauthor of "Irresistible Leadership." He is a management development consultant, professional speaker, and host of the daily motivational radio show, "Smarter by the Minute." For more information, email Doug@DougSmart.com. Copyright 2005 by Doug Smart