This year is one of those during which Americans decide who should lead the nation. By day and by night we are hearing and seeing leadership qualities in political candidates being examined, discussed, dissected, compared and evaluated.
America has always romanticized leadership. We often equate heroism with leaders, and bravery with leadership. Great leaders become our heroes and we assume heroic qualities make for good leaders. We do love great leaders!
Business leaders know that good leadership in business is rarely glamorous or heroic. It has much more to do with fundamentals and basics. What are the fundamentals of good leadership?
The leader needs to have a vision and believe in the vision, whether that vision comes from the leader or someone else. There is no point in leading if there is no journey and no goal towards which those led are being directed. Lackingany genuine vision towards the future makes the would-be leader a manager, a boss, a supervisor but not a leader. Leading others towards the goals embodied in a vision is very different than acting.
It is easy for professional actors to act the part of a leader. That is also true in real life business and organizational matters. It is easy to strike the pose of a leader and to go through the motions of leadership. In fact, those whose jobs make it easy for them to pose as leaders can be very convincing - for a time. The true leader is pursuing a vision and will continue to do so no matter what. The person acting the part of a leader may actually perform better than the true leader. The ultimate test is in results and staying power. The true leader is not concerned with how good the performance, just so long as the goals are achieved. Passion for the vision, in the end, separates leaders from imposters.
The leader needs to possess character. The old saying about ministers is that they need to be good and look good. This would be an excellent rule of thumb for business leaders: be good and look good. When it comes to character the package needs to be genuine. Some measuring sticks include personal integrity, honesty, care for others and trustworthiness. A good leader is morally responsible and guided by values that include fairness and justice. In order for a leader to be effective the leader must be respected. Respect is not something to be furnished on demand. Respect is earned and it is based on what qualities as well as what abilities others perceive in the leader.
The leader needs ability. There are many people with vision, conviction and sound character who simply do not possess the skills and insights necessary to provide effective leadership. Luckily, skills can be acquired and insights can be conveyed. Executive leadership training does not impart vision, values, character or sincerity of purpose. That is up to the person. What training does provide, however, is the know-how, the skills and insights that give the tools to lead.
Nobody is ever completely without any leadership tools. Nobody ever has all the tools. And nobody has all of their skills and insights refined to the highest level possible. There is always room to become more effective, more skilled, more knowledgeable and wiser as a leader. That's what we offer in the Leadership Training Seminars. Like the Marines, Ted Knight and myself are looking for a few good men and women who want to become even better leaders!
Vision, character and abililty: these form the bedrock on which business leadership rests. For the business leader the task is always to keep building on the bedrock. Good leaders are always getting better!
Come join us in North Carolina at the training in Wilmington May 5-6 or Raleigh May 8-9 for challenge, growth and a great experience!
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