Finishing Strong: Seven Key Behaviors of a Leader Who Gets Results

 

“All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile,

shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil.

The fight to the finish spirit is the one characteristic we must possess

if we are to face the future as finishers.”

~Henry David Thoreau

 

My CPA friends and clients have gone “radio silent” for the last month. They are firmly entrenched in their “busy season” and looking forward to that magical April 15 deadline. SIX MORE WEEKS.

I remember those days vividly, digging down deep in the cold winter months to finish my engagement responsibilities, lead my team to finish strong and make sure our clients were happy and well served.

Whether you’re a CPA in busy season or a corporate leader charged with delivering results, leading projects to successful completion is one of the hallmarks of an effective leader. Zenger and Folkman in their book, The Extraordinary Leader, identified 7 key behaviors in a leader who gets results.

Do these describe you?

High performers:

1. Do everything possible to meet goals and deadlines and pursue the project until completion
2. Maintain high standards of performance
3. Set measurable standards of excellence for themselves and others in their work group
4. Promote a spirit of continuous improvement
5. Take personal responsibility for outcomes
6. Can be counted on to follow through
7. Go above and beyond what needs to be done without being told

 

Or do you find yourself…

1. Missing project goals, deadlines and agreed upon deliverables
2. Failing to build high commitment among the team to stated goals and objectives
3. Blaming others for failures
4. Not following through to your project’s completion

 

Successfully driving for results goes hand in hand with possessing excellent interpersonal skills. The two are a powerful combination that is essential to inspiring and motivating your team and collaborating to make a difference for your clients.

 

With six more weeks to go and lots to get done, take a moment to step back and assess your current state.

• What steps are needed now to finish on time with a satisfied set of clients and an inspired and motivated team?
• What obstacles do you face in achieving your goals? How can you effectively overcome them?
• What would your team say about what it needs to come together and finish strong?

 

Six more weeks and counting. I’d love to hear from you and learn how you plan to go the distance.

To your success,

Mary