preparatory jottings

What makes an effective leader

Management is about controlling and problem solving.
Leading is about motivating and inspiring a team.

It is the leader's job to create the vision (doesn't have to be grand) and direction for their team/department:

• where are we going
• how will we get there
• how does this fit into to organisation's overall strategy

The vision is a leader's most important motivational tool which helps to align resources and keeps team members focused on tasks.

Vision
A vision is a description of an altered and improved future and has 3 important purposes:

1. Clarifies the general direction for the future - knowing the direction helps people make decisions and move forward more confidently
   
2. Motivates people to take action in the right direction
3. Helps coordinate the actions of different people efficiently - helps people work out what to do by themselves.