“You can’t teach leadership, but it can be learned.” — Lloyd J. Edwards Jr., a retired police lieutenant

Effective leadership centers on achieving organizational objectives. Leaders should adhere to specific principles that can facilitate their success in guiding teams. While some individuals possess innate leadership qualities, others develop these skills over time.

Leadership principles are foundational beliefs that leaders can apply within their teams and organizations to foster success. They revolve around motivating and steering teams toward shared goals. These principles establish a framework that inspires collaboration towards a common objective.

The foundation of successful leadership lies in these principles. Every leader has their own set of guiding beliefs, whether they are consciously aware of them or not. These principles are embedded in their leadership style and approach.

Such principles can distinguish a competent leader from an exceptional one, aiding in direction-setting and enhancing team motivation. Outstanding leaders drive their organizations to thrive without relying solely on authoritative titles. They exemplify leadership through their actions and understand that true leadership involves influencing those around them and cultivating future leaders.

Here are seven leadership principles for consideration as you advance in your role. Let’s explore them.

1. Structured Flexibility is Vital

   “A bad plan is better than no plan, and the most important quality of any plan is the flexibility to change.” — Judson L Moore, author and travel enthusiast

While planning is crucial for leaders, it should not be overly rigid. Strict plans can stifle creativity. Leaders must encourage structured flexibility, which means having a plan that allows for adjustments as circumstances evolve. They should remain open to new directions as opportunities arise.

Leaders recognize that the future is unpredictable and must be prepared for unforeseen changes. If plans are too inflexible, leaders may miss out on advantageous opportunities.

2. Pursue Excellence, Not Perfection

   “Perfection has to do with the end product, but excellence has to do with the process.” — Jerry Moran, a United States senator

Leadership is about encouraging growth rather than demanding perfection. By shifting focus from perfection to excellence, leaders empower their teams to be more productive and successful.

Leaders must understand that striving for perfection can hinder progress. Leadership involves developing processes that allow teams to complete tasks effectively.

Perfection is focused on outcomes, while excellence emphasizes the importance of the journey. Perfection often leads to avoiding mistakes, whereas excellence embraces learning and growth.

• Seeking excellence allows leaders to uphold high standards and meet deadlines.
• Striving for perfection sets unrealistic expectations, creating a harsh environment for mistakes.
• Valuing the process helps leaders navigate challenges more effectively.

Leadership is about recognizing missteps, learning from them, and evolving. Perfectionism can hinder leaders, leading to micromanagement that detracts from productivity.

3. Embrace Vulnerability as Strength

   “When you are no longer afraid of what others will think, you’re more willing to put yourself out there in all the various ways there are to do that.” — Karen Anderson, master certified life coach and author

Vulnerability is a form of strength that should be welcomed. It involves being open to uncertainties and emotionally receptive to new experiences and risks.

For leaders, vulnerability can be a superpower. The most effective leaders share personal experiences, admit disappointments, and take emotional risks. Embracing vulnerability can enhance a leader's influence.

The most impactful leaders recognize that vulnerability requires practice. They step outside their comfort zones, reveal their true selves, and take accountability for their decisions.

4. Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

   “Leadership is having a compelling vision, a comprehensive plan, relentless implementation, and talented people working together.” — Alan Mulally, American executive

Leaders must adeptly manage both immediate tasks and long-term objectives. The most effective leaders tend to present a clear vision for the future while simultaneously addressing current responsibilities.

Mastering this duality can be challenging, as it requires maintaining focus on long-term aspirations while managing day-to-day activities. Leaders should encourage their teams to appreciate the details while also keeping the big picture in mind.

5. Focus on Strengths Rather Than Weaknesses

   “Live in terms of your strong points. Magnify them. Let your weaknesses shrivel up and die from lack of nourishment.” — William Young Elliott, author

Effective leaders enhance their strengths. Overemphasis on weaknesses can detract from a leader’s confidence and effectiveness.

Outstanding leaders prioritize developing their existing strengths rather than fixating on shortcomings. They understand that positive outcomes follow where focus is directed.

Exceptional leaders invest time in honing their skills rather than dwelling on areas of deficiency.

6. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

   “There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Don’t allow yourself [and your team] to become one of them.” — Ralph Marston, former professional football player

Successful leaders adopt a growth mindset, valuing learning over avoiding failure and embracing risks. They perceive setbacks as opportunities for improvement.

Leaders understand that the journey will be fraught with challenges, so they offer guidance and perspective to help their teams navigate obstacles. They recognize that adversity can lead to greater success.

When leaders treat every experience as a chance to learn, they become more adept in their roles and better prepared for future challenges.

7. Welcome Change

   “Our dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time; what we really want is for things to remain the same but get better.” — Sydney J. Harris, American journalist

Change is the only constant. Leaders must adapt and stay informed about evolving trends within their industry. The best leaders embrace change as a necessary aspect of growth.

Effective leaders are comfortable with change and understand its complexities. They view change as an opportunity for advancement.

Successful leaders act as agents of change. They recognize that stagnation is detrimental and that continuous improvement is essential. They understand that change is an inevitable part of life and must be actively pursued.

Bringing It All Together All leaders must grasp these seven effective leadership principles to thrive in today’s environment. Exceptional leaders value structured flexibility, strive for excellence instead of perfection, and recognize vulnerability as a strength. They balance the duality of leadership, concentrate on enhancing strengths, maintain a growth mindset, and embrace change.

These principles can serve as a foundation for enhancing leadership capabilities. Leaders must nurture the potential of their team members, continually develop their skills, and guide them toward achieving greatness.

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” — Martin Luther King Jr., American Baptist minister and civil rights leader

Join my email newsletter for a free eBook and more helpful insights.