What Is A Leader

 

 

Leaders Have Vision

Leaders see possibilities that many others do not see. They see the future first. They are not given to accepting the status quo or to asking why things are the way they are. They are capable of envisioning and creating a better and greater reality because they dare to ask “why not”.  Leaders are able to get others to share in their vision and to make their visions a reality

Leaders Know Themselves

Leaders understand their own personalities, values, habits and preferences. They know their strengths and weaknesses. Leaders are aware of the effect they have on other people. Leaders purposely utilize resources, tools relationships and feedback from others to increase their self-awareness.

Leaders Create and Maintain a Balanced Life

Leaders recognize that they are more than their job or job title. They value relationships and cultivate their relationships with the important people in their lives. They eat right, exercise regularly, actively reduce stress and illness in their lives and typically cultivate a spiritual/humanitarian dimension in their lives.

Leaders Keep Up on Current Happenings

They watch, observe and listen to what’s happening, keep up on current trends, new directions and current movers and shakers. Leaders tend to see a bigger picture because they see the interrelationship between seemingly unrelated areas. They are effective in predicting future outcomes because they are able to “connect the dots” on what’s happening in the present.

Leaders Set Goals and Have A Life Focus/Life Mission

Leaders set clear and specific goals for their lives and help others do the same. Leaders write and display their goals and mark their progress. Their life has direction and meaning and they have a strong sense of their life purpose/passions. They expect positive outcomes and encourage others to do the same.

Leaders are Outstanding Communicators/Listeners

They develop their interpersonal and verbal skills. They are aware of theirs and others’ non-verbal communication. They use vivid, descriptive language to pull people into their message and help them see their vision. Although few people have formal training in listening, leaders learn to and work at improving their listening skills.

Leaders Are Team Oriented

Leaders recognize the value of creating synergy. They don’t concern themselves with personal glory. They are concerned about others and see the value in drawing out the talents and strengths of others. Leaders involve others who must live with the results of changes. They get others’ input upfront and keep them informed as things progress.

Leaders are Risk Takers and Learn from their Mistakes

Leaders use failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. When something goes wrong they don’t wallow in guilt or shame, they analyze why. Leaders ask, “What did I learn from this”? Leaders are willing to experiment and are open to new methods and procedures.

Leaders Develop Leaders

Leaders see the value of guiding the way for others to cultivate leadership. They take the time to know and care about people and spend time learning about others’ skills, ideas and hopes. They are people-people who are not easily intimidated by other rising stars. As bosses they constantly groom their successor(s). Leadership and mentors go hand in hand.

Leaders are Honest, Trustworthy and Full of Integrity

Leaders are honest and trustworthy with everyone. Even when the truth hurts, leaders know that people appreciate honesty. It is the foundation of trust and ethical behavior. Leaders operate from high levels of integrity and ethics. They do what is right, not necessarily what is popular.

Leaders are Persistent

Leaders don’t quit. When the going gets tough, they’re motivated to seek different and better ways of doing things. It is easy for a leader to be persistent because he/she has clearly established goals and a blueprint for making those goals a reality. Tough situations are perceived as challenges and opportunities, not as excuses for forfeiting goals.

Leaders are Emotionally Intelligent

People with sound emotional intelligence know and manage their emotional lives well and understand and effectively deal with the feelings of others. Good “people skills” are more important than ever. These soft skills are no longer relegated to a lesser status behind the hard skills that dealt with technology and task-related skills.