Six Principles of Effective Leadership
Six Principles of Effective Leadership - according to Prof. Dr. Fredmund Malik.
The six principles can be understood as a solid foundation for developing successful organizations or for leaders to enhance their own effectiveness. Let’s take a closer look at these six principles, so they can also serve as a basis for your actions.
Principle No. 1: Results Orientation
The first principle is about defining results, in other words, setting goals. Reaching a goal and keeping it clearly in sight is of central importance. The path to achieving it is the second step. This forms the basis for every successful leader. Malik recommends checking this with the question: "What does your company pay you for? Or, what results are you expected to achieve?"
Principle No. 2: Contribution to the Whole
Leaders need a will and an inner drive to achieve performance and results. They want to make a positive impact. The answer to the question “Why?” helps with this. What is the basis for why and for what purpose you, as a leader, deliver performance? Employees enjoy contributing when they see the sense and the bigger picture they are working towards. As Viktor Frankl said, “Meaningful action creates joy.” How do you create meaning for yourself and your employees?
Principle No. 3: Concentration on the Essentials
This is an important success principle for leaders. Resist the "let's do a little bit of everything" mentality. The key to success is not losing focus. This is of vital importance. What is your real goal, and what makes you successful in achieving it? You must focus your activities accordingly.
Principle No. 4: Strengthen Strengths
Your principle should be to strengthen the strengths of your employees. This is how you can develop first-class employees. It’s often the case that weaknesses are noticed more quickly than strengths. So, pay close attention. If you are an attentive leader, keep a journal of what your employees have done well. You will quickly recognize their strengths. Turn your employees into A-players, champions, instead of just fixing small flaws.
Principle No. 5: Trust
According to Malik, trust is built on clearly defined boundaries and previously agreed sanctions. As a leader, you should not intervene when employees are within their boundaries but should clearly sanction when those boundaries are crossed. Creating clarity and reliability fosters mutual trust over time.
Principle No. 6: Practice a Positive Attitude
There will always be obstacles and difficulties along your path. That’s normal. As a leader, if you think positively, you see not only a danger in a problem but above all, an opportunity. And this determines how you handle it. If there is a chance in a challenging and seemingly hopeless situation, those who think positively are most likely to find it. Therefore, it is your task to adopt a positive attitude and also pass it on to your employees.
The six principles of effective leadership sound relatively simple. It’s not so much about the knowledge but about applying it. With this in mind, good luck!
Author:
Matthias Hettl is known as an international management consultant. He trains and coaches board members, executives, and leaders. He has also held a professorship in management and has extensive leadership expertise. He has experience as a supervisory board member, CEO, and internationally as a consultant for the United Nations. As a renowned management and leadership expert, he is a sought-after speaker.
For more information visit: Hettl Consult
