How to be a successful leader, but by really trying

Earlier in the year I provided you with my workplace wisdoms based on my 49 years and 7 months in the Electricity Supply Industry.

A career in safety helmets
©Harveywetdog

In this follow up I speak specifically about leadership. I've often been asked what it takes to be a leader in our modern business world, so here are my collected thoughts. As you will see all it takes is mostly being in the right place at the right time and preferably no obvious leadership ability.

Why don't we start with:

Self Belief

Stands to reason really; if you don't think you're any good why should anyone else? And of course if you have an over inflated belief in your own ability then who's to know!?

Luck

Good luck of course, being in the right place at the right time and having an ability to come out of any situation smelling of roses can only help you succeed on your chosen career path.

Enigmatic Communications

This sounds good but basically it means talking in riddles. Be careful how you use this one, because if you use it when you are at too low a level in the hierarchy people will just think you're talking bollocks. So you need to have reached a position where people think "well it sounds like they're talking bollocks but they must know what they're talking about to get on like they have so boy what wisdom!"

Being the token whatever

Sad to say, even in these days of enlightened diversity and inclusion, tokenism does very much exist. It definitely can give you a route to the top so turn this to your advantage in a positive discrimination sort of way.

Don't be restricted by the usual race, sex, religion or LGBT+ discriminatory stereotypes. No, why not go for being the only oik on the lead team, the only Brummie/Geordie/Jock down management row or even that woman with the appalling dress sense on the executive.

Cuff links

The cuff links are there I promise
©Harveywetdog

I have definitely seen this one used in practice. It helps to set you out from the crowd and makes people recognise your time management skills - he must be organised he's got time to get dressed properly in the morning!

Just be careful to use politically neutral themes; union jack cuff links may be very patriotic but you don't want people mistaking you for a flag shagging nationalist.

Back Stabbing

Basically do unto others as they would do unto you only do it first! Remember it's dog eat dog so go for it! The advantage with this is that it is really fun and if you can do it Mark Antony style so much the better.

Drive

I'm afraid you are going to have to show some basic enthusiasm for the job at hand but remember energy isn't necessarily indicative of ability. In fact a virulent display of enthusiasm can be a good cover for a lack of ability. This kind of drive goes hand in hand with self belief.

Don't let anything bad stick

Get involved, but don't get too involved; remember things that go wrong are always someone else's idea. You were on holiday at the time or didn't attend the meeting where the decision was made.

Surround yourself with mediocre people (life's bag carriers)

People forget this rule at their peril and then find themselves usurped by the young thruster they thought it would be a good idea to employ. No, if you're going to shine you need to ensure you are the the brightest star in the firmament. There is a balance to be struck of course, you don't want to be surrounded by complete donkeys so make sure they have the basics such as being able to spell their names, use XL and be able to carry a bag with style.

Be a bag carrier yourself

Face it you're not going to the top on day one so you will have to spend some time easing your passage. So get in there and exercise your tongue and your shoulders and get carrying a few bags while you learn the ropes. Don't forget to gather your back stabbing material while you're at it.

Upward Focus

Basically ignore those beneath you and only focus on those whose position you wish to ultimately acquire. This goes hand in hand with:

Knowing the right people

Make the most of your bag carrying days and call in all those favours that you've accrued along the way.

And finally remember, being a natural leader isn't a quality people generally look for but occasionally the pool manages to throw one up that is!

Also in this series

Robinson wisdoms

My leaving speech

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(DISCLAIMER: As always my thoughts are wholly my own and do not reflect the values and beliefs of my previous employer - whoever that might be).

Self belief - works every time!