While reading The Takeaway by Pat and Karyn Williams, I came across a really good summary of what leadership is all about. I think these 7 ingredients are essential in an effective leader.
- Vision: Leadership is always about the future.
- Communication: Leaders have to spread their vision. The do that by communicating optimism, hope, inspiration, and motivation.
- People skills: Outstanding leaders care about others.
- Character: Honesty, integrity, respect, humility.
- Competence: Leaders are good at what they do, always working on improving their skills
- Boldness: Leaders have to make decisions. More harm is done by no decision, than a wrong decision.
- A Serving Heart: “It’s not about you.”