CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT 3 Characteristics Every Effective Leader Must Possess

BY MARY V. DAVIDS

An effective leader is someone who has the passion to do the work and someone who knows how to use the right tools at the right time.

The strategies that work in one situation may not work in another. For example, there’s no need to use a nail and hammer when a simple thumbtack will do. Great leaders understand how to use a balanced approach to reach desired outcomes while considering the

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workplace environment, and cultural norms.

1. Effective Communication. It has been said that communication is the key to success. While I agree it is a significant part of being successful in life, I also understand the challenge when noise gets between your message and its delivery. Many leaders make the mistake of spending more time relaying a specific message and not enough time considering elements that will impact its effectiveness such as timing, the appetite of the audience, and the communication method or approach. To be effective, a leader must approach communication strategically by considering the who, what, when, where, why, how concept. Without considering these factors, a leader could face challenges in getting the desired results.

2. Cultural Intelligence (CQ). A leader with cultural intelligence can adapt, interpret, and lead multicultural environments by understanding diversity dimensions impacting the workforce. In her book, International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior, Nancy J. Adler describes three components of cultural intelligence: Cognitive, Motivational, and Behavioral. The cognitive portion (thinking, learning, strategizing) is often the most used method when leading, however, motivational intelligence and behavioral intelligence are necessary as well. Motivational intelligence is the understanding of why people act/ react the way they do to life situations. Behavioral intelligence is used by leaders who understand how to use the right behaviors themselves so they are more effective when dealing with employees. These three components together will allow a leader to bridge gaps within the organization and build trust among a diverse workforce.

3. Decision-Making Ability. As a leader, employees will look to you for answers and help to resolve problems especially in times of unrest and uncertainty. Generally, employees desire to do the right thing and they look to their leader for support in this effort. Making decisions quickly and confidently will allow employees to be more productive and reduce lag time when meeting deadlines. When employees are unable to obtain a specific and clear process to follow they may complete tasks that do not meet quality standards or they will seek help from others who may provide inaccurate information.

To be clear, there is no single approach to being a “successful leader.” Whether you were born with it or if you’re just getting started on your leadership path, you’ll need to be able to use many tools and strategies including these to get results for your organization.

Mary V. Davids is an executive career and leadership development coach and owner of D&M Consulting Services, LLC. For more career tips and advice visit www.slaytheworkplace.com or follow @MVDavids on Instagram and

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Industries Thriving During Global Pandemic Have Strong Digital Strategies

thrive. to thrive. They all have something in a part of your online tribe. Ask them Those who have fared well had common as well, and that is a solid what they would like to see. Encourage a business that catered specifically to digital strategy. them to engage. Let them be a part of helping people navigate COVID-19. I co-own and operate a digital the narrative. Cleaning services, grocery delivery, fitness equipment and on-demand entertainment have seen upticks in their profit margins. They had something available that made it easier for people to adhere to social distancing protocols. Others have products that are necessities during a world health marketing firm, Flourish Media, in South Florida. We have doubled our client base in the last three months because everyone needs online marketing support in this season Whether it’s Facebook ads, Instagram graphics, or YouTube videos, going digital is 100 percent the right 2. Have a sales funnel in place for your products and services. Outline how you plan to have someone go from stranger to paying customer. This should include email marketing, digital advertising with Facebook and Google, as well as strong content strategy. crisis. This includes: medical supply thing to do for any type of business. 3. Put as much effort into this as any companies, technology-based We have been so excited to see other form of advertising. Your social companies that made it possible for increased revenue across many of our media accounts should never be mere BY DR. TRACY TIMBERLAKE learning and working, as well products clients’ industries, including real estate, afterthoughts, especially in this season.

The U.S. economy has certainly that appealed to the panic buyer (i.e. medical offices, law practices, apparel, Your clients and customers are there, been shaken up by COVID-19. Much toilet paper). Before March 2020, I you name it. Here are a few tips to help you should be too! of what you will hear is the gloom and doom of employees being laid off and businesses shutting their doors. However, there are some industries that have been uniquely positioned to don’t think Purell knew it was going to have one of the best fiscal years ever. However, there are other types of businesses who do not fit in these categories, yet have still been able get you started: 1. Focus on strengthening your digital community, not just sales. Your followers will appreciate the personal touch they get from being Dr. Tracy Timberlake is a multiaward winning digital business coach. Instagram.com/tracytimberlake Facebook.com/drtracytimberlake n