What made them all effective is that they followed the same eight practices:
• They asked, “What needs to be done?”
• They asked, “What is right for the enterprise?”
• They developed action plans.
• They took responsibility for decisions.
• They took responsibility for communicating.
• They were focused on opportunities rather than problems.
• They ran productive meetings.
• They thought and said “we” rather than “I.”
The first two practices gave them the knowledge they needed. The next four helped them convert this knowledge into effective action. The last two ensured that the whole organization felt responsible and accountable.
Headings:
• Get the Knowledge You Need
• Write an Action Plan
• Act
• Take responsibility for decisions.
• Take responsibility for communicating.
• Focus on opportunities.
• Make meetings productive.
• Think and Say “We”
Full article at http://hbr.harvardbusiness.org/2004/06/what-makes-an-effective-executive/ar/1