■ Communication. The effective leader knows the value of communication. As long ago as 59 BC, Julius Caesar kept people up-to-date with handwritten sheets and posters distributed around Rome. Communication in today’s organizations is frequently discussed, but not always delivered. The suggestion that leaders meet with their people on a regular basis is often greeted with the response that there is not enough time. But such meetings provide valuable opportunities to share information, lay out the work, anticipate problems, and gather momentum.

They also serve to reinforce a sense of cooperative helpfulness and mutual support. Meetings can serve as an opportunity to close the communication loop and see if frontline people are receiving information and hearing the leader’s message.