6 Tips on How to Lead in the Information Age

by Loreen Sherman, MBA

Amazingly leadership takes on new significance as the business landscape changes. Increasingly in the Information Age new forms of social media are alternating the mode of communication and the pattern of thinking previously held by leaders. This shift is dynamic. So the question becomes "How does a leader lead?"

A leader in business is responsible for many decisions. He/she has operational costs, structure determinations and other technological decisions to make. With the changes in technology happening quickly how does a business leader lead?

This question is significant because leaders must be able to plan. Foresight is required to draw up annual plans, 5-year plans and 10-year scenarios. But, how can this be accurate with the increasing changes in technology, culture and global interchanges? What must a business leader know now to keep him ahead of the pack?

The optimal path for business leadership is to grow. This growth comes from strong decision making skills. Therefore, in order for a business leader to lead he/she must know how to make good decisions. Here are some useful decision making tips:

(1) Look for measurable ways to determine growth.

(2) Benchmark all important indicators before making decisions to find useful facts and information.

(3) Determine what your competition is doing, why have they not done something?

(4) What alternatives will lessen costs and/or increase quality control in operations?

(5) How will this change effect the overall performance or administrative functions in the organization?

(6) What effect will this have on the human network within the framework of this organization?

Every leader must recognize that decision making is an important tool to enhance the performance of operations. Many ways exist to improve organizational decision making. For example, attainable goals can be measured such as an increase in sales to determine if a sound decision was made to change the sales process. Another method to increase the effectiveness of decision making is to research the competition by benchmarking.

These tips on how to lead in the Information Age will help you make decisions to assess potential areas for optimal business growth. Leaders are you ready for action? When a business leader benchmarks each of these main questions asked above he/she has strategic tools to lead. Facts help to identify trends and possible changes in many areas.

The mode of communication and the pattern of thinking is currently under review, are you able to keep up? Business leadership in today's Information Age requires finding facts and information to support his/her business decisions. New business opportunities open when the right question is framed. These five business tips will help your leaders frame the right question.

How do you lead? What do you need to gain a competitive advantage, improve communications and be a high-impact leader?

Loreen M. Sherman, MBA is a Business Expert on Leadership Development who has over 20 years of inter-disciplinary organizational experience alongside faculty certification. She shares her insights and knowledge in her high-impact leadership modules and business presentations on leadership to help you at http://www.loreensherman.com/page/decisions-leaders.

As a leader you will learn how to increase your managerial decision making and learn how to optimize organizational behavior to help your company increase performance, productivity and retention.

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