Seven Traits of Great Leaders
1. Great leaders identify, cultivate, and inspire enthusiastic followers. Some people are successful but are not leaders. They work best on their own and enrich themselves. Great leaders enlist the cooperation, support, and loyalty of others. Few businesses can survive and thrive without people to carry out the leaders' programs. Good leaders not only understand their employees, but motivate them to do their very best work.
2. Great leaders focus their efforts. Good leaders concentrate their efforts to reach goals. Those who do not focus their efforts will never achieve marked success in anything. No one is large enough to be split into many parts; and the sooner we stamp this truth upon our minds, the better our chances for success. Waste comes with trying to do too many things at once.
3. Great leaders face and overcome great difficulties. Adversity can destroy some people, but all good leaders have faced adversity and bounced back to greater glories. Change those stumbling blocks to stepping stones on the path to success. Strive vigorously to use everything that comes to you, whether pleasant or unpleasant, to your advantage. Do not allow an unpleasant letter, a disagreeable criticism, an uncharitable remark, or another trial to clould your day. If you can make no other use of your misfortune, use it as a point of departure for a new and determined effort.
4. Great leaders expect more from themselves than they do from others. Great leaders set an example for their followers by demanding more of themselves. They work more hours, take on more challenges, initiate more programs, and give the full measure of their energies to their work.
Traits 5 - 7 featured in next week's newsletter.
Source: Ken Shelton, originally published in Executive Excellence Magazine |
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How do you find these dedicated, focused and productive leaders for your organization's unique culture? What traits does a person need to possess to rally your staff, your board and your community to accomplish goals far beyond what you ever imagined?
