Effective parents are like great leaders. They are known to listen and reflect in order to teach or guide others to do what is right.

Great leaders are not afraid to ask questions to stakeholders for ideas, opinions and feedback. Good parents are not too frightened to ask questions that are necessary to find out the truth about important parenting concerns.

By asking questions and genuinely listening to what is being said, parents and business leaders can get to the root of a problem and solve it faster. Questions might be asked via emails, phone calls, personal dialogue, or even through surveys. Whatever method is considered, purpose-driven leaders must listen and reflect in order to be successful.

Organizational leaders are known to receive input from various sources. It is also relevant that they learn how to follow up efficiently. Likewise, parents must sometimes depend on a third party as a means to gain insightful information regarding their child’s grades, behavior or safety. Since change is inevitable, today’s sharp leaders must grow while they are engaged in work or parenting. With a rapid pace of change, some businesses will more than likely downsize while families may continue to expand in number. Future leaders will have to depend on input from key members of a group, delegate responsibilities fairly and receive information with a positive attitude. When individuals behave in a non-defensive demeanor, work is accomplished in a more pleasant manner.

Since effective parents are like great leaders, who are the real leaders in society? Is it the president, a CEO, an administrator or a preacher? Does the real leader require an impressive title or have to drive an expensive vehicle? Research implies that a real leader is a role model who promotes, gives, listens and serves. True leaders are trained to think and they are committed to their work. They do not simply hold a position; they listen and learn from those whom they are expected to lead. They are thought to be proactive in making decisions and are cognizant of how to make things happen. In organizations, these types of ‘servant’ leaders foster diversity and show respect for teamwork. In today’s growing society, ‘two heads are considered better than one.’ Therefore, people must learn team building skills to accomplish the simplest of tasks.

Successful leaders demonstrate their abilities and character in what they do. In other words, ‘they do what they say.’ They actually live according to their beliefs and ideologies. They are fair and honest. That is why it’s crucial for them to remain ethical, open and trustworthy. Research suggests that honest communication usually inspires people toward common goals.

Successful leaders are also committed to core values and demonstrate integrity when collaborating with others to make key decisions that benefit every employee or every family member. It is one thing to make a mistake by using poor judgment, but it isn’t good to make a mistake with poor intentions. Over time, cruel intentions become visible and can create a ‘burned bridge’ between people.

Therefore, it is imperative that all leaders keep their hearts set on being fair and honest while initiating plans that will produce positive results in the lives of others.

One way to better understand others is to engage in active listening and attempt to ‘wear that person’s shoes.’

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.