Be a "Go To Leader!"
What does it take to be a "Go-to Leader?" This is a question I always get from people that I mentor or during the leadership training I provide to junior employees at P&G. While everyone most likely has their own definition of what it takes, here are my top 7 characteristics of what makes a "Go To Leader." Be Inspired to make a difference today!
Be Impactful + Focused. They consistently “get things done with major impact.” They deliver amazing results on fewer things than some/slow progress on many things. They demonstrate “do leadership” vs just “thought leadership.” They role up their sleeves to get work done and act with a sense of urgency. Their functional career code could easily be "GSD (Get Sh*t Done)". They are able to say "NO" to distractions and keep teams focused on top priorities. Leaders would say “I can not meet my goals without their efforts – they are indispensable.”
Be a Behavior Change Agent. They are experts in influence, persuasion, organization navigation, and driving sustainable behavior change. They are empathetic and know how to drive change management. They rally leaders to support breakthrough ideas. They tie their big ideas back to business priorities or existing frameworks. Their ideas become others ideas. I often tell people we all only have 1 job to do - drive behavior change of leaders and teams. They volunteer for the toughest tasks and are always "running towards the barking dog." Leaders would say “It is amazing to see how they are changing the organization for business growth”.
Be Proactive. They sense the biggest opportunities. They connect the dots between different discussions and meetings to get to bigger ideas. They go after tough challenges and leverage momentum to gather necessary resources. They control their future vs being controlled. Importantly, the best leaders are proactive in both creating compelling visions and the ability to execute those visions. They take risks in driving big ideas for growth. Leaders would say "They have answers to my problems before I can even articulate what I need" or “I think they read my mind”.
Be Articulate. They easily communicate big ideas, what is possible, and what’s needed (both verbally and written). They easily communicate key progress and challenges. They are an expert in shaping issues for quick and effective decision making. They understand how to take complex issues and explain them in a way that others can simply understand and ACT. They have "pithy golden nuggets on the ready" to inspire others with their ideas and what needs to be done. Leaders would say “They get me so excited about what is possible and make decision making much easier, even on complex topics.”
Apply your Expertise. They are an expert in their craft. They apply their craft in a way that grows the business and grows talent/teams around them. They are an expert in how the business works. They are an expert in bringing in company assets to solve business problems. They are an expert in where they can add the most value to any business challenge (and importantly, where they should not waste their time or expertise). Leaders would say “They are my go to – I leverage their expertise all the time”
Be Inspirational. They role model “strong leadership”. They have a clear and compelling vision and show what is possible (where we are at today, where we want to go, and why we must change). They are tough but fun. They celebrate successes and failures. They reward people/teams for great work. They spend time with their teams to understand what they need and then tear down barriers. They make every team member stronger through on the job coaching. They delegate to others. They hire the best talent. Leaders would say “I would love to work for that person”.
Be pragmatic. They are realistic and optimistic. They are emotionally mature. They stay calm under stress. They are down to earth. They are aware of world events. They manage their time in a way where they can add the most value. And lastly - they don't eat lunch at their desks......they eat lunch with others to either grow or influence others......because they are a "Go-To Leader".