Be open to ideas and suggestions from anyone.

You know a proactive leader is mentally well-organized and has a vast supply of ideas and information at his mental fingertips. Well, now just where do you think all that wisdom came from? Did he figure it all out by himself? Not on his best day, my friend.

a proactive leader is a mental sponge and he goes around soaking up ideas and suggestions everywhere, from everyone. He says, I can't use the idea I didn't hear or follow the suggestion I didn't listen to.

His special strategy here goes beyond being open and listening though. a proactive leader's secret is he learns something from every idea, every suggestion, whomever its source. He listens and then he learns. That winning combination, listen and learn, is a proactive leader's real success secret. …

Understand problems and issues from other people's points of view.

This technique goes nicely with listen and learn. Have you ever told someone about how a problem or issue looks from your point of view only to be told, I don't see it that way. Let me tell you what the real issues are here.

What is the not so subtle message to you?

You've got this all wrong. It's not that way at all. You are either stupid or out of touch with the real world. I am the source of all things right and will condescend to educate you.

You will never get that kind of demeaning approach from a proactive leader. First, such disrespect is just not a proactive leader's style. More importantly, he knows by using that approach, he loses. Just as he gets most of his ideas from others, he also gets most of his insights and new perspectives from other people. How does he do that?

He listens and learns. He takes time to understand your perspective, to get your take on things. When he walks away, he has more of what he needs to lead.

He has what he knows and now has part of what you know too. It is only a matter of time until a proactive leader becomes brilliant, one conversation at a time.

Make sure a job can be done before holding anyone responsible for it.

Now there is a no-brainer for you. Who but an idiot would hold someone responsible for a job that cannot be done?

Alas my friend, if idiots could fly, many so called leaders would have their own airports. Have you ever seen a project fail and someone reflexively gets reprimanded or fired?

Never mind the project's history of success was limited to visions in someone's mind. It happens on a grand scale and in little situations, but expecting the impossible and holding someone accountable happens often and repeatedly.

It will not happen with you when you associate with a proactive leader though. You will be expected to try, to give it your best. You will not be held responsible for its not working out though, unless he can objectively confirm it was doable.

Be clear with people about what you expect.

This starts with being clear about whether you actually expect the job to be done. You may only expect the person to give it a try, work on it if there is time, or to do as much as interest and resources allow. Alternatively, you may expect the job to be done and done on time.

Do you expect the person to work alone or to get help?

Do you expect perfection or will just getting it done suffice today?

a proactive leader knows being clear about expectations is a touchstone of great leadership. If you are on his winning team, you will always be clear about what he expects. You will never have to wonder or have doubts about that.

Take time to be sure people understand how their jobs fit in with other jobs and activities.

a proactive leader does not go overboard here,