Building a successful career in loss prevention has always been predicated on the commitment to professional growth and development. Working in a business as dynamic as retail, it is essential that we remain flexible in our methods and progressive in our approach to a global retail market. As the business moves forward change comes quickly, and our skills and abilities must evolve to meet the needs and expectations of a new professional standard.
But true growth must be built on a solid foundation. Especially when we consider the pace of change, we find that success is largely based on the refinement of the fundamental principles that anchor our skills and our decision making. By expanding on our foundation of knowledge, we give ourselves a stronger and more stable base to build upon. We reinforce our futures by broadening our opportunities.
Leadership Principles
Leadership is more than a behavior—it is also an attitude. Strong leadership adds credibility, commitment, and vision. It is the primary reason that a loss prevention program will be successful. Leadership can be defined in many different ways, but generally speaking, it is the ability to influence others to work together towards a common goal. It is not merely a special set of attributes that are limited to a few select individuals, but rather, a progressive set of skills that each one of us can learn and develop within ourselves.
What does it take to make leadership successful? We can start by looking at some of the traits that are common components of effective leadership:
- A leader is willing and able to lead by example. They provide the model, both leading and behaving in ways that are consistent with the goals, values, and integrity of the group.
- Leaders find self-awareness. They recognize their talents and abilities and are willing to step up and assume a leadership role. They also recognize their developmental needs and seek out constructive ways to enhance their performance. They are willing to hire people whose strengths complement their own weaknesses.
- A leader is able to recognize their role without being consumed by it. They both acknowledge and appreciate the roles that others carry as well.
- A leader has a clear sense of purpose. They carry focus, commitment, initiative, and drive. They are dedicated to the group and to the cause.
- A leader manages towards goals. They prioritize activities and concentrate efforts in ways that lead to results.
- A leader is willing to challenge the process in a positive and constructive manner. They seek out the challenges, show flexibility and creativity, and are willing to take risks and learn from their mistakes.
- Leaders recognize their ability to make a difference. They are optimistic and embrace cooperation and collaboration.
- A good leader is willing to take advice and direction. From their supervisors, from their peers, and from their subordinates.
- A leader inspires others to come together on a common direction or goal. They create a shared vision and motivate others to participate.
- A leader is willing to help others to act. They have the ability to help others work together, sharing goals, forging cooperation, and building trust. They recognize and acknowledge each individual’s contributions.
- Fundamentally, leadership requires a balance of two distinct types of influence. There is personal power, which we earn through demonstration, guidance, direction, and support. There is also positional power, which is based more on position or rank. Finding the correct balance makes a leader most effective.
- A leader is willing to make the tough decisions. They are not only willing to take others where they want to go, but also where they don’t want to go—but ought to be.
- Leaders hold perspective. They are willing and able to understand what people are trying to say rather than focusing on how they say things. They are willing to listen with all of their senses.
- Leaders have the vision for growth and change. They have the courage to be creative and innovative.
- Leaders understand that leadership isn’t an entitlement or a rank. Rather, they know it is a privilege and a responsibility. They recognize that leadership is not about titles or positions, but is a frame of mind.
- Leaders possess the character to believe there is never a wrong time to do the right thing.
- Leaders cultivate new leaders. They help to make others stronger by encouraging them to develop their skills and talents. They nurture others and delegate in such a way that will help them to grow.
Leadership then becomes something that each of us must define for ourselves. Ultimately, we make the choice. There lies within each and every one of us the qualities of a leader, and it is up to us to decide what those qualities are, and how we are going to use them.
Within any organization, leadership principles can have profound influence on the success of the company. It can define the mission of an organization, and ultimately determine our achievements and our failures. Leadership is more than just pointing the way—it’s making a difference.
