\n\tEver wondered why there are so many leadership models and books on leadership out there? Models and stories are fine. And they certainly sell books. But does any of it make a difference? There are many models to choose from crafted by well-meaning people, I\u2019m sure (for example, formal, primal, situational, servant, and informal leadership). I think there are so many because we each have at least one story about a time when leadership was \u201cdone\u201d to us\u2014and it wasn\u2019t good. Am I right?<\/p>\n
\n\tWithout even realizing it, we all crave leadership\u2014in whatever form. We need to know the general direction the team is expected to go and at least some vague notion as to how we\u2019ll get there, together.<\/p>\n
\n\tI propose that we begin to coach our employees (and everyone in our family and friends circle, too) that we are ALL leaders, <\/em>so we might as well practice being good ones.<\/p>\n \n\tBelow is my list of leadership best practices crafted just for this column. You may want to swap some of these out and other items in or add to the list, especially those items more appropriate to your organization or situation. That\u2019s fine. This is just a place to begin.<\/p>\n \n\tAt all times, in every situation, and in no particular order\u2026<\/p>\n \n\tIf these behaviors were learned and recognized early and often, how great would our workplaces be? There would be no need to \u201cdo a culture initiative\u201d or strive to change organizational culture.<\/p>\n \n\tFull disclosure: I work on these items continually and admit to struggling with at least one of them every day. After all, I\u2019m only human. You, too? But let\u2019s pinky pledge to do our best every day. After all, that is all anyone can ask of themselves and others.<\/p>\n\n