The November 2006 issue of The Motivational Manager has an interesting article entitled Do You Have What It Takes to be a Great Leader? It was adapted from an article on high performance leadership by Brian Ward on the Affinity Consulting web site.
According to Mr. Ward, great leaders possess the following four characteristics.
- Courage: Business leaders will be challenged by competitors from without and within, by the changing fortunes of business and government and by unexpected adversity. Great leaders stand by their convictions when they are challenged. Leadership Tip: Have the courage to admit your mistakes, but hold on to your values.
- Focus: Great leaders have vision. They are capable of being flexible, but remain focused on their goals. Leadership Tip: Help people deal with short term distractions, while staying true to the long term mission.
- Authenticity: With great leaders, what you see is what you get. People can depend on them to remain true to who they are. They’re not manipulative, and they don’t hide their agendas behind a carefully created public mask. Leadership Tip: Let people see the real you.
- Empathy: Great leaders treat others with dignity. They put themselves in others’ shoes in order to gain consensus and support. Leadership Tip: Create a feeling of inclusiveness among the people you lead.
This is some great, common sense advice. But, like most common sense advice, it takes energy and effort to put it to work. However, if you put in the time and expend the energy and effort, you’ll see great results.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more leadership common sense. Check out my other blog www.CareerSuperStar.com for common sense advice on becoming the life and career star you are meant to be.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open. Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.
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