Just like Monday morning quarterbacks, people think they could do a better job and they know how to fix things.The best leaders convey four key messages to associates with their public communications:
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” Ronald Reagan
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Warren G. Bennis
“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“I care about your work. Your work is important.” Obama did this for his implementers by affirming, not denigrating, public service. Keeping the focus on employees’ work is why new General Motors CEO Mary Barra will talk only about cars, not herself, and The Weather Company CEO David Kenny returned science to the center of the company.
“I won’t give up, and you shouldn’t either.” This is a variant of the tongue-in-cheek mock-Latin saying, “illegitimi non carborundum” (don’t let the bastards wear you down). Opponents and barriers must be put in perspective: they exist, but they can’t stop everything.
“Even in the worst circumstances, there’s something we can do.” Any action is better than none. Keep moving, and change is possible. Even small wins keep people motivated.
“I stand behind you. My job is to make yours successful.” This message is subtle, but it is implicit in the resolve that a leader projects in stating a plan that will work. Leaders must turn a long-term vision into a practical set of short-term steps that are credible
Are these traits enough to create good leaders? There are so many books and articles written about the qualities needed; i want to share a few of he important attributes leaders need.
Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan wrote a book called Execution they list the following
Know your people and business
Set clear goals and priorities
Follow through… accountability
Reward the doers but make it effective.
Expand people’s capabilities through coaching
Know yourself, authenticity.. self awareness.. learn from mistakes.. what are your strengths, self mastery, humility
Good leaders develop others at all levels to lead, especially if you are using talent management. Create the future This is key for success.
In today’s world it often takes a crisis to expose true leadership; how sad, but it exposes an opportunity.to not just survive, but flourish. Leaders will have capitalized on their primary talent resource – their current employees.
Adding to the list above here are more traits good leaders share.
Integrity – Honest, matching word and deed, , trusted, respected
Dedication Self-motivated, prepared to do whatever it takes, mentally tough, passion
Results Gets things done, goal-oriented, sets and achieves short-term goals,completes projects,
Responsibility “The buck stops here.” Is accountable
Vision A clearly defined sense of purpose and direction and communicating it; innovates, embraces change;focuses on the long-range goal
Decisions Decides quickly, displays confidence, acts independently when necessary,analyses situations carefully, makes rational judgments and logical decisions, takes calculated risks,
Influence Develops strong working relationships, builds rapport quickly, strong team player, works effectively with people, expresses views clearly and with impact,
Empowerment Working through others, delegates, sensitive to people’s needs,involves people in plans and decisions, motivates, develops others, shares credit,listens.
Presence Can take the lead, show authority initiates, leads
What is a leader? A Leader is a person who guides and influences people to willingly follow a chosen direction.You’re a leader.Lead well. Be a person of integrity who can be trusted.
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