The Lifelong Learner
:: Do what you can, with what you have, where you are -Roosevelt ::
The Lifelong Learner
:: Do what you can, with what you have, where you are -Roosevelt ::
I admire leaders that speak the truth, speak from the heart, and that are open (candor). If you are like that, you will earn credidibility. But why do you need credibility?
“Credibility is a leader’s currency. With it he or she solvent; without it he or she is bankrupt.” That’s a quote from the latest Leadership Wired newsletter. In it, John Maxwell offers four keys to establishing leadership crediblity
1) Speak the truth.Be honest and upfront. Transparency breeds legitimacy—make it a priority to be open with financial statements, policies, and decision-making rationale.
2) Don’t hide bad news.
3) Never over-promise.Do not make promises you cannot keep. Why do you think politicians have such a poor reputation? It’s very simple. They promise the world and seldom deliver.
4) Do what you say you will do.Follow up and follow through.
Simple and to the point. I really like that. Most of all, if you want to be a leader, be an authentic leader.
ReferenceCredible Communication, Leadership Wired Newsletter, April 2005 — read my previus recommendation
The definition of a great leader that you will read below, from Chris Widener, is just great. If you want to become a leader or want to know what a real leader does, READ THIS. I received it through his newsletter, Chris Widener’s Ezine (see below).
Character Traits of Extraordinary Leaders by Chris Widener
When people make a decision (either consciously or unconsciously) to follow your leadership, they do it primarily because of one of two things: Your Character or your Skills. They want to know if you are the kind of person they want to follow and if you have the skills to take them further. Yes, there are other variables but these are the bulk of the matter. This article will focus on the kind of character that causes people to follow your leadership.
1. Integrity. Integrity is that you do what you say you will. You are trust worthy. People can rely on you. You keep your promises. The one thing that will most keep people from following you is if they can’t know for sure if you will actually take them where you say you will. Are you known as a person of integrity? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
2. Optimistic. People don’t want to follow others who think the future is bad! They want to follow those who can see the future and let them know that there is a better place and that they can get them there! Do you see the cup as half empty? Then you are a pessimist. Do you see it as half full? Then you are an optimist. Do you see it as totally full – half air and half water? Then you are a Super Optimist! Are you known as an optimist? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
3. Embraces Change. Leaders are the ones who will see the need for change and willingly embrace it. Followers will at first desire to stay where they are. Leaders need to see the benefits of change and communicate them to followers. If you don’t change, you won’t grow! Are you known as a person who embraces change? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
4. Risk Taker. Whenever we try something new, we are taking a risk. That is part of growing though and it is imperative. Most people are risk averse. Not the leader! They calculate the risk and what is to be gained from taking the risk. Then they communicate that to the followers and away they go to a better tomorrow! Are you known as a person who is willing to take risks? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
5. Tenacious. The tendency of the follower is to quit when the going gets tough. Two or three tries and their motto becomes “If at first you don’t succeed, give up and try something else.” Not the leader! They know what good lies beyond this brick wall and they will go and get it. Then they will bring others with them! Are you known as a person who is tenacious? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
6. Catalytic. A leader is ultimately one who gets people going. They are able to move others out of their comfort zone and on toward the goal! They can raise the passion, enthusiasm and the ACTION of those who would follow. Are you known as a catalyst? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
7. Dedicated/Committed. Followers want people who are more devoted and committed than themselves. At the first sign of lack of commitment, followers scatter for the doors. If the leader sees the end and is bailing out, they better get out first. Followers follow those who will stick it out because they see the importance of the task and the goal. Are you known as a person who is committed and devoted to the goal? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!
-Chris Widener
Do you have some of the qualities? Do you admire those qualites? Then you are or will be an Extraordinary Leader! Great stuff!
ReferenceChris Widener’s Ezine — Oct 2005 Issue
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