As an organizational consultant, the leaders that I find that are
most in demand today are those that can motivate and engage
employees that are outside of the scope of their functional
responsibilities. The same holds true for the non-profit
organizations I work with.

What make these leaders effective? Leaders who are effective in
leading others -- particularly when they are not in a boss /
subordinate relationship -- typically exhibit the following
behaviors:

1. They are ethical in their actions. They are clear about their
values, goals, and expectations. They do what they say they will.
They are willing to admit to mistakes.

2. They are well connected. They know where to go for
information, both inside and outside of their organization, and
they are willing to share information.

3.They are good collaborators. Rather then tell people what to
do, they ask people for their ideas. They offer ideas as part of
a broader solution. They model or demonstrate the behaviors they
would like to see.

4. They use personal influence effectively. They get people to do
things for them because they want to, not because they have to.
They are not controlling, manipulative or impatient. They relate
with people on a personal level and help bring the vision alive
for them.

5. They understand how to manage conflict. They look beneath the
conflict to identify solutions. They know when and how to utilize
various approaches when resolving conflict.

6. They learn from experience. They continually examine outcomes
-- both good and bad. They place a high value on lessons learned
and quickly utilize these learnings to make adjustments as
appropriate.

7. They provide feedback. They coach people both formally and
informally and view this as a natural part of any relationship or
process.

People exhibiting these behaviors are able to create an
environment of trust and an environment where people feel
connected to their work. As organizational hierarchies continue
to flatten out and as leaders continue to have increased span of
control, success in leading others where you do not have direct
authority or power over them, will become critical.

John F. Kennedy once said, "It is time for a new generation of
leadership to cope with new problems and new opportunities. For
there is a new world to be won." Those who exhibit the behaviors
outlined above will be well positioned to handle these new
problems and opportunities. Those who master them, will be well
positioned for success. What are you waiting for? 

Regina Barr is a management consultant and speaker with a 
special passion for helping women achieve leadership success. 
Regina helps companies develop strategies to attract, develop 
and retain women leaders. Her consulting firm, Red Ladder, Inc., 
also helps organizations and their leaders develop their full 
potential through strategic project management and coaching. 
For more information visit:  http://www.RedLadder.com or 
http://www.RedLadder.blogs.com