Leading others requires continuous learning and reminders of what it means and takes to be a leader.  So for those of you that are leaders, leaders of leaders, or just work with leaders, this article will be helpful.

According to Jeswald Salacuse, dean of law at Southern Methodist University, leaders have seven tasks they carry out daily:

1. Direction: Leaders articulate and help to set the goals of the organization, including overseeing movement towards those goals;

2. Integration: Leaders unite diverse followers, which is difficult to do when working with those that like to be unique;

3. Mediation: Leaders often must mediate the disputes among individuals struggling over turf, resources, responsibilities and policies.

4. Education: Leaders educate, coach, guide and advise those they lead. (Notice this doesn’t include training.  Training should be done by those that are dedicated to it.);

5. Motivation: Leaders must continuously encourage others to do the right thing for the common good of the team;

6. Representation: Leaders represent the community they lead, which is especially difficult when the community members have plenty of clout.

7. Trust Creation: Leaders must earn the trust of the team members and stakeholders in order to direct, integrate, mediate, educate, motivate or represent the individuals of the community.

So there you have it – some tips (or reminders) for what it takes to be a leader.

You can read more about this topic in Jeswald Salacuse’s book “Leading Leaders”, 218 pages, available through Amazon for $37.95.