Ten Principles of Good Leadership

Leadership is second nature for some people. Others learn principles of leadership through education and try to apply their knowledge in the world of work. Some learn the principles of leadership in the school of hard knocks. Learning leadership can be a difficult process, but the benefits of the knowledge gained can never be lost when leadership knowledge has been hard won.

I've learned leadership each of the three ways. Often, I learned things in books, written by experienced leaders, but chose to try things my own way. When I failed I realized the wisdom of those who have led before. Trying new leadership styles is not always a bad thing; innovation always comes about because of innovation and thoughtful change.

There are, however, some indisputable facts that no good leader should overlook. A compendium of leadership skills would take volumes. However, below are ten principles that a good leader should not ignore.

Leadership Principle: #1: Be prepared.

Regardless of the task or role set before you it is your job as leader to be prepared. That means learning as much as possible about your department, your role in the organization, and the expectations of your superiors.

Once you understand what you are expected to know, you can educate yourself about your department. That doesn't mean that you will learn every nuance in detail. It does mean that you will gain an overall working knowledge of everything that goes on in your department that will equip you to lead.

There are things that you will not know right away, you will learn as you go. This a good reason to surround yourself with intelligent, well informed, loyal people who will advise you in areas with which you are unfamiliar. Build a team that will keep you informed of changing data, technology, and other trends as they relate to your department.

Preparation makes the difference in your ability to present yourself as a leader who cares and intends to lead the department toward greatness. As an informed leader you will be prepared to make accurate and difficult decisions.

Leadership Principle #2: First things first.