Leadership 101 – Choose to be Proactive

“The best way to predict your future is to create it” – Stephen Covey

Definition of proactivity - It’s one of the most used words in leadership. We hear it in our performance reviews, and we are probably using it when giving feedback and trying to develop other people, “you need to be more proactive.” 

Proactive behavior usually refers to self-initiated behavior that is anticipatory and often change-oriented. It means that we choose to anticipate future needs and start acting on them today instead of waiting on anticipated events and reacting to them when they occur. It is about being in control of potential situations rather than being controlled by them.

Leaders who want to make a lasting impact on their organization should strive for proactive, rather than reactive, leadership. Proactive leaders take full responsibility for their people by engaging and cooperating with their team, leading by example, and always looking for ways to improve. Whether we are beginning our leadership journey or already part of top-level management, this is a reminder that forward-thinking leadership is the best way to lead.

The following actions and characteristics are among those seen in proactive leaders:

They have well-known values – They have a set of core values that guide everything they do.  They live by them.  They lead by them.  These values are an anchor in difficult times and a compass that guides them during difficult days.  It is very rare to find an effective leader without a solid value system.  This leads to a foundational purpose for the work everyone does and helps establish trusting relationships.  

They see the big picture – Proactive leaders have a perspective that always seems to see beyond the moment.  Because of this, they never jump to conclusions or give in to biases before they understand the complete picture. They understand that just because something appears a certain way on the first look does not mean that it is the truth. They always look for context before contempt.  They tend to view the world not as it usually is but as they desire it to be. Better.  

They actually know their people – They understand that the number one reason for dissatisfaction in the American workplace is anonymity.  People feel anonymous.  They work very hard to know some details of every person’s life – including their personal and professional dreams.  Proactive leaders know that their real leadership happens before 8:00 AM and after 5:00 PM.  They are never afraid to invest extra time to earn respect and to have an impact.  This is what it takes to completely know each individual’s “whole person” on their team.

They are transparent – Such leaders are incredibly self-aware and completely comfortable in their own skin.  This allows them to pour themselves into others without expecting anything back.  They are selfless givers who genuinely get joy from other’s success.  They are also very clear about their objectives, opinions, values, and their likely actions. Their teams rarely have to guess the direction or anxiously anticipate needs and reactions.  By being transparent, such leaders increase their sphere of influence and empower others to do their very best.  

They Breathe into Teams – There are all sorts of reasons people perform their jobs well – pay incentives, accountability, the satisfaction of a job well done. Inspirational leaders are another strong incentive. Enthusiastic leaders, work hard and communicate their vision to team members are much more likely to have a strong and dedicated staff than leaders who lack these qualities.  Such leaders understand that where there is no personal growth – there is no professional progress.

They Listen – They do not just hear – They are very active with their listening and respect whoever is in front of them without distractions. Strong communication skills are essential to effective leadership. Team members feel that their opinions, feedback, and ideas are both heard and fairly evaluated.

They Stay Organized – Leaders have a lot on their plate.  Those who think and plan ahead have an inherent need to keep on top of everything rather than wait for a crisis to happen. Outstanding organization skills are necessary to keep on top of both long-term goals and daily needs. The most effective leaders stay organized.
They Are Solution-Finders – Leaders deal with problems all day long.  Anyone in such a role should know that problem-solving is part of the job description. Leaders who think forward are better positioned to tackle problems before they occur instead of reacting when they pop up unexpectedly. Thinking outside of the box can come in handy – because problems rarely come with instruction manuals.

They Collaborate – Most leaders are knowledgeable and educated about their industries and organizations, but no one can know everything. Influential leaders never arrogantly try to force their way into projects or areas they fail to understand. Instead, they seek advice and help from colleagues and staff to increase their knowledge and get projects done. 

They Earn Respect First – Team members will find it difficult to work hard for someone they do not respect. Leaders can earn that respect by supporting their subordinates when needed, making ethically and morally responsible decisions, and being kind and compassionate toward others in the workplace. Leaders can never expect others to exhibit these qualities if they fail to lead by example.

They Never Seem to Panic – Proactive leaders never let their team see them sweat.  They work harder than anyone else to think ahead so that such surprises are minimized.  Therefore, when surprises occur, their energies can be focused.  As a part of this, they never outwardly panic at the onset of trouble. Instead, they make calm and rational decisions that align with the strategy of their business. Keeping cool under pressure is not just a born personality trait. This behavior is only learned through the experience of “trial by fire” scenarios.  It has a tremendous impact.  
They Seek Feedback and Self-Improvement – Effective leaders are always willing to build their skillset and learn from mistakes. A crucial part of this practice is the ability to take constructive criticism. Feedback, both positive and negative, is an essential tool in improving future processes. Leaders should be thick-skinned and able to learn from the criticism of their work and leadership tactics.

Which of these characteristics of proactive leadership do you have?  Which ones do you need to develop?