Most good leaders leverage at least some of these characteristics.
- Honesty: “As a small businessperson, you have no greater leverage than the truth.” - John Whittier
It is important to stick to the truth so that you have less to remember! Seriously, though, trust is important. Without trust your leadership will be weak and people will not follow for long, especially after they see your dishonesty.
- Ability to delegate: “Individuals play the game, but teams beat the odds.” - SEAL Team saying
You are not really leading if you try to do everything yourself. You want people to participate in achieving your goal, and to do that they will need to have a role in the process. Delegate others to take on some responsibility.
- Communication: “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” - Ernest Hemingway
Good communication is vital for a leader. You must be able to listen to all those concerned in your process. It will help you make the best choices.
- Sense of humor: “A true leader always keeps an element of surprise up his sleeve, which others cannot grasp but which keeps his public excited and breathless.” - Charles de Gaulle
A sense of humor will keep you sane. There will always be "bumps in the road" and keeping your mood light will help your followers to endure the bumps as well as celebrate the successes. And, as de Gaulle said, you want to keep some surprises to keep folks excited about the work.
- Confidence: “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” - Ben Franklin
Have confidence in yourself and in your goals. Be confident about the changes you are creating. And trust yourself to know when you are finished. There may or may not be a "finish" to chaning the world to make it better. But be aware of what is needed and confidently lead on.
- Commitment: “The only way to do great work is to love the work you do.” - Steve Jobs
To be a truly effective leader you need to be in it for the long haul. Your commitment must be based on your compassion for the goal. You must love what you do, even when it gets hard or messy, to make a lasting difference.
- Positive attitude: “I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I’ve become. If I had, I’d have done it a lot earlier.” - Oprah Winfrey
Believe in yourself and in the goal that you are working for. Believe in your plan and your process. Even when things seem to be getting nowhere, believe that you can make a positive difference. Always see the glass as half full with faith that you can add enough to fill the glass and reach your goal.
- Creativity: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” - Charles Swindoll
Life happens. It brings challenges. And as leader it is up to you to come up with solutions to problems. Creative problem solving will get you through the challenges. This is when you need to listen to others and to delegate where appropriate. Problem solving is an intagral part of leadership.
- Ability to inspire: “Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.” - Robert McAfee
Folks will be inspired by your attitude and your story of why your goal is something you are passionate about. Gather stories from others as well. Bring ideas to life in stories.
- Intuition: “Less isn’t more; just enough is more.” - Milton Glaser
Your intuition will guide you if you learn to listen to it and have confidence in it. the human brain is amazing. And intuition is part of that amazing organ. When you "just know" something, go with it. As you exercise intuition it will strengthen and lead you in what comes next. Know when you have enough.
- Above all else, treat others as you’d like to be treated: “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” - Gilbert Chesterton
People like to be appreciated. Express your gratitude generously. Make your expression specific and honest. You will gain trust and faithful followers.
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