Step 2 To Leadership Success

Leadership success training step 2 is to develop the plan. This is the point at which the leader has to make the decisions, step up and take charge of the situation.

Remeber this, it is very important. A plan is nothing more than a series of small steps taking you in the direction of your objective. Start with an outline of the plan. Then look at each section in the outline and divide it up into smaller sections. The process continues on until you have a series of small detailed steps. You know the steps are small enough when you gut says - that step is easy - I can do that.

Its OK if you are not an expert at designing every part of the plan. Some sections of the plan may be difficult for you to assemble. Then it is best to call on knowledgeable team members or other expert advisers for help. Just remember as the leader it is expected that you are in charge and will steer the process in the direction you want it to go.

It's OK, in fact is advisable to get input and even develop alternate plans with outside help and help from those around you. Don't let the discussion drag on to long as it often happens in committees. At some point a decision has to be made, made decisively and without dragging it out for too long a period of time. Leaders are responsible for making the decisions!

Good leaders will weigh the facts, assess the alternatives and make a decision quickly. You hardly ever have all the facts and information available at the start. Indecision can be a morale killer and a determent to a good leader. Nobody is right all the time, things change as you implement the plan and steps may have to change as time goes on. Don't rely on too much group consensus, limit discussion and take action. Know what you have decided and communicate it clearly.

By the way now is an excellent time to appoint a second in command as part of your plan.

Leadership is knowing there is a time for action. And a plan is nothing more than a series of small steps, defined in advance, that take you in the direction of your objective. The smaller the steps, the greater the detail, the clearer it will be and the easier it will be to explain to your team. There has to be a balance here between perfection and getting the job done. You don't have to be fearful when the steps in your plan are small ones.

Expect to succeed.

Be optimistic.

Have confidence (even if it is an act). You must exude confidence if you are to get others to follow you. Be a champion.

You're the leader. Show confidence in your plan to those around you!

Leadership Success Step 2 - What Is My Plan?