A leader need not be brilliant to be effective. Efficient leaders always do three things:

1. Set clear and reasonable expectations.
2. Succinctly communicate what is expected.
3. Unwaveringly hold people accountable to these expectations.

These three behaviors, consistently executed, are the hallmarks of a simply effective leader. The difference between these individuals and those just getting by is the development and utilization of these traits regardless of market conditions.

Companies led in this manner create a culture that workers clamor to buy into and, in turn, they sell more and recruit better as a result of their belief in the organization and the accountability fostered within the system.

All three traits can be learned, honed, improved, and even mastered. Which means, effective versus defective leadership is a choice between continuous improvement or accelerating decline.

Which direction are your actions, or inaction, taking you?