Ted Pollock

He initiates action. When there's work to be done, he states what it is and tells who is to accomplish it. When a decision must be made, he makes it. This is not to say that the good leader is an absolute autocrat. In fact, he had better not be, but he starts things going and points the direction, even if he leaves the details to others.

He gives orders. Not all action is initiated by means of orders. Much is accomplished through suggestions and questions. But when an occasion arises where orders are called for, the good leader gives them in a way that makes clear who is to do what and when. Furthermore, good leadership requires that the actions ordered are within the abilities of the people who are to carry them out.

He uses established channels. These include informal as well as formal ones. For example, in one firm employees fell into two friendship groups based on age. Older employees formed one group, and the younger employees formed another. When a new young man came to work, the manager, after a brief period of orientation, turned him over to a worker who was well liked by the younger group. This worker introduced him to the others of his set, showed him the ropes, and saw that his office was supplied with necessities. As a result, the newcomer felt welcome and a part of the group. His guide was flattered to have his leadership among his set and his skill at his job recognized. The manager, by using established informal channels, had introduced a new employee with a minimum of upset and a maximum of effectiveness.

He listens. Listening is important for three reasons: First, no one knows the problems of a job as well as the man who is doing it. Second, only by listening can the manager spot forthcoming trouble before it develops. Third, group members want to feel that their leaders take an interest in their viewpoints. Listening enables a leader to respond to the needs of the workers. Such responses are essential to good leadership because everyone is, at times, troubled. Everyone wants recognition. The good leader is liked because he really is sympathetic and interested. This cannot be a matter of pretense, because people quickly see through a phony.