Leadership...A Credo

Scores of studies have been done on great leaders to attempt to discover the magic behind dynamic leaders. Thousands of books have been written on the most effective top dawgs in every profession from military generals to Fortune 500 CEO's. Despite very different organizations many of these leaders share common leadership traits that make them effective.
I think perhaps the greatest single common thread among effective leaders is accountability. Whether it is running a money making machine or leading young men into battle to give their lives for their country every great boss forces his employees at all levels to be accountable. The results are staggering. Forcing people to be accountable ensures them that they will not get away with a 50 percent effort. Instead of glossing over low performance leaders openly question those who are substandard. On the flip side accountability also recognizes those under you who are performing effectively and those who are shining above expectations. Combining the carrot and stick approach gives your subordinates something to strive for and motivates them so that they don't get called out or look bad in front of their peers. The result is that the company wins from inspired and motivated employees, and the workers benefit from the satisfaction of a job well done, and the recognition from management that they are doing a good job.
The men in the corner office also must be willing to make hard decisions. Fundamental to making tough decisions is a solid and developed leadership philosophy that is more than a verbose statement, but is a real life management creed. In no organization is life at the top a bed of roses, despite what is portrayed. One wrong decision could plummet a company into devestating losses for the quater or year, or it could cost a battallion of Marines their lives in a costly firefight. These decisions involve intense pressure and anxiety, but leaders make them, and then go hard with their decision. The flip side of this coin is that leaders also accept the consequences, whether it is elite triumph or stunning defeat.
Finally all great leaders maintain the morale of their subordinates. It isn't a science. There is no black and white. This is perhaps the most neglected aspect of many companies. Often times as long as profits are high, or reports are good leaders assume everyone is happy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Part of boosting morale revolves around recognizing your people for what they accomplish on a regular basis. Make them believe in the company or the system, and you as a leader. It may getting off early on Friday twice a month or a bonus for outstanding performance, or it maybe something as simple as recognition in front of peers for a job well done. It does not take huge acts to keep employees motivated. It only requires that you take time to consider their needs. Help them out when they are in need. Your faithfulness to them will be returned with their loyalty to the organization and to the leader.
This isn't a comprehensive credo, just somethings I have learned from reading about effective leaders from Sun Tzu to Rupert Murdoch. Whether your a student leading a college organization or in management in the professional world mandating accountability, being decisive on the hard issues, and maintaining the morale and welfare of your subordinates will derive fierce loyalty and productivity from your people. Applying and practicing effective leadership results in a healthy organization, a work environment where people actually enjoy their job, and management and employees that learn and benefit from each others' strengths.