Business and leadership tips, advice and theories are everywhere we go. We find them on the internet, in bestseller books and magazines, in newspaper columns and on TV. However, very few people can relate to all of that information, especially since they're oftentimes packed to sound kosher with boring prefaces, charts and grammars. It's easy to miss a part and go wrong.

But, let's ignore the experts' theories and get back to the basics for now. Let us consider what your company or business truly wants from you as a leader. As you know, every enterprise has some expectations of their leaders and staff, regardless of how big or small the company might seem or however they term it. These expectations normally include the following:

Perspective and vision.

Leaders are often expected to be visionary. Can you look into the future and anticipate how you think things will turn out? Are you capable of communicating this vision with people in very clear, lucid terms? can you try to predict some of the problems/ challenges we might have in this future? can we change that? Can you describe this future and perhaps, the journey towards it to your immediate team members? Also, the ability to list out some of the requirements the company would need and what they wouldn't need would be highly beneficial and save cost

Teamwork

Leaders are also expected to be great team leaders and team players. They are expected to be able to not only pass information across effectively but also see that the information is applied to the task at hand. Leaders convince the hearts and minds of the team on what it must do to succeed. Make them emotionally and intellectually convinced. Leaders also work to make sure their team is prepared (or at least getting prepared for the future they're heading into).
As a leader, can you motivate your team towards the company's vision or goals?

Plans and Actions.

Leaders are expected to spur their teammates into action. A success map is worked on, plans and goals are turned into measurable objectives and then enacted. Targets are fixed and everyone is to work together to achieve that common goal. As a leader, can you spur your team into action?

Appraisals and Evaluation.

From time to time, a good leader at business or work should be able to pull records and history, compile those and communicate to the rest of the team/company how fast they're heading and if they're heading in the right direction. Have our stocks tanked during the past 5 months? Have we developed or gained traction in this area or that area? This ability is very important as well because it helps the company or business adapt or adjust to changes. It also helps them know when to intensify their effort in a particular area.

We must become the change we want to see!

Most rules about being a good leader in an organization are hinged on all of the above. Maybe this is a good time to state that none of this is possible if there is no exemplary lifestyle from the leader himself/herself. Leading is a tough job but it can only seem easy when it is done right. And what better way is there to lead than leading by example?

_{This article has been cross-posted on Whaleshares}