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Blueprint for Leadership -
How to Be a Better Leader |
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If you were to build a house, you
would begin with a blueprint. This blueprint proves useful because it
contains more than directions on how to build a house. It also describes the
finished house.
So, what does this have to do with leadership?
Last month I asked an audience of leaders to tell me the characteristics of
an ideal leader. Their answers were (in the order collected):
A good listener, enthusiasm, passion, shows appreciation, a visionary, role
model, trusting, integrity, organized, knowledgeable, credibility,
persuasive, charisma, team building, clarity of purpose, problem solver,
attitude of service, leads by example, patience, willing to act without
complete knowledge, understands followers, consistent, empowers other
people, and adapts to change.
I'll add that this is essentially the same list that I receive from other
audiences when I ask this question. From this comes some useful insights.
1) Notice what the list contains. All of these characteristics relate to the
human side of leadership. That's interesting because I often hear people
minimize this side of leadership with terms like "soft" or "touchy feely."
Actually, applying these characteristics requires more strength than not.
2) Notice what the list excludes. Absent from this list (and all lists from
other programs) are characteristics such as stern, mean, serious, short
tempered, vindictive, tough, angry, harsh, punitive, controlling, violent,
or ruthless. And that's interesting because many popular representations of
leadership emphasize at least one of these "hard" characteristics. In fact,
these characteristics are the refuge of those who lack the strength (or the
skills) to apply the human side of leadership.
3) How about you? How would you rate yourself as a leader compared to the
list of positive characteristics? If you were to survey the people who
report to you, how would they describe your leadership? Would they list
characteristics from the "soft" list or from the "hard" list? Could you
become more effective by improving upon any of the "soft" characteristics?
And how about the other leaders in your organization? Do they truly maximize
human potential?
People want leaders who treat them with genuine compassion, courtesy, and
respect. They want leaders who help them become more successful. They want
leaders who inspire them with a vision for a better world and show them how
to go there.
About the Author
IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and author Steve Kaye works with
leaders who want to hold effective meeting. His innovative workshops have
informed and inspired people nationwide. His facilitation produces results
that people will support. Call 714-528-1300 or visit his web site for over
100 pages of valuable ideas. Sign up for his free newsletter at
http://www.stevekaye.com
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