The Rules of Leadership

Richard Templar is the international best-selling author of The Rules series. He is known for creating clear rules for success in life and work. He turns his lifelong observations of successful people into simple and easy-to-understand principles. These rules help you become happier and more successful by showing you how to handle different situations with confidence.

• Introduction  How to use the Rules  ASSEMBLE YOUR TEAM   Know what a team is and how it works Hire raw talent Bevery, very goodat finding the right people  If youcan’tfind the right person, don’t hire the wrong one  Ensure people know exactly what is expected of them Understand the roles of others Understand the pros and cons of individualism Get the best resources for your team Be ready to prune Make your team better than you TAKE THE LEAD   Set your boundaries Offload as much as you can – or dare Know your own importance Hold effective meetings . . . 15. . . .No,really effective  Make meetings fun Listen to ideas from others Don’talways have to have the last word  Have clear expectations Don’ttry justifying stupid systems  Embrace technology Be ready to say yes Give credit to the team when it deserves it Train them to bring you solutions, not problems DEAL WITH PEOPLE   Get them emotionally involved Encourage them Set realistic targets – no,really realistic Accept their limitations Celebrate Create a good atmosphere Inspire loyalty and team spirit Have and show trust in your staff Respect individual differences Adapt your style to each team member Encourage team members to embrace their differences Let them think they know more than you (even if theydon’t) Use positive reinforcement MANAGE YOURSELF   Learn from others’ mistakes Enjoy what you are doing Be passionate butdon’tkill yourself  Manage your energy Be a good listener Understand the herd mentality Don’ttake sides  Never lose your temper Know the mission statement – and understand it MANAGE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS   Keep your home life at home No touching – except for handshakes Don’tmisuse your authority  Exude confidence and energy Pay attention to personal grooming Be cool Don’tgossip  Don’tbitch  Stand up for others Compliment people sincerely Be cheerful and positive Use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ Don’tswear  Only speak sense Never get personal Know how to handle other people’s anger RISE TO A CHALLENGE   Take the rap Be sensitive to friction Keep track of everything you do andsay Let them make mistakes Make sure no one feels isolated Hold your team together Anticipatethreats  Keep calm and carry on WIELD POWER WISELY   Knowledge is power Be able to walk away Know whoyou’redealing with  Be authoritative Be likeable Know who you are Be great at your job Get people on your side Be controlled Don’tgive it away  PREPARE FOR THE NEXT LEVEL   Big brother is watching you Study the promotion system Develop a game plan Know yourself – strengths and weaknesses Dress one step ahead Talk one step ahead Act one step ahead Think one step ahead Talk of ‘we’ rather than ‘I’ Walk the walk Address corporate issues and problems Spend more time with senior staff Get people to assume you have already made the step Prepare for the step after next Be well up on new management techniques Write with authority Learn towritereports  Present like a pro Capitalise on the career-enhancing moments Know when to break the rules