How often have you heard someone state the importance of leaders fully examining circumstances, attaining as much information as possible, and properly review what the next step that needs to be taken? However, after spending four decades, identifying, qualifying, training, developing and consulting to thousands of actual and/ or potential leaders, I am convinced most either don't fully get the concept, or ignore it, for the most part! True leaders must be able to, as Robert Frost, stated, keep their heads while all around them are losing theirs. The challenge is to do so, in a most desirable manner, rather than merely because you don't have a clue! Therefore, let's review what it means, how to effectively do so, and how/ why leaders need to effectively REVIEW.
1. Relevant; realistic; reasonable:
Perhaps the most significant difference between a true leader, and a wannabe, is whether the individual is satisfied with appearing to be busy/ doing something, versus seeking relevant solutions, to create and develop a sustainable system, to assure a brighter future! While one must be positive and proactive, maintaining a high degree of idealism, it is essential to keep one's eyes wide - open, and be realistic, in terms of the possibilities, etc. In addition, a leader should seriously consider whether his assumptions, as well as what he asks of others, is both actually, and perceived as, being fair and reasonable!
2. Excellence:
Constituents, often, behave, like they perceive their leaders do! If you are perceived as being willing to prematurely settle for far less than the best, it will be challenging to instill in others, the need for a quest for excellence.
3. Vision; views:
While it is often stated, that leaders must bring forth a vibrant, vital vision, it is not merely possessing one that counts, but rather, its quality, relevance, etc. Will you express your views in a manner, which drives others to adopt your vision as their own, for the best interests of the organization?
4. Integrity; ideas; ideology:
Are you true to the positions and standards, you express for others to follow and believe in? Remember, it seemingly takes a lifetime to earn the respect of others, but only one lapse to lose their faith forever! One must maintain his commitment to absolute integrity, and avoid empty rhetoric, while introducing beneficial ideas and staying true to the right ideology!
5. Empathy:
Listen effectively, and learn/ discover what your constituents seek, are concerned about, and need! Putting yourself in their place, is the only way to possess the necessary empathy, and understanding!
6. Why; when; where; who?
Much of the reasons for today's dearth of leadership, is the substitution of empty rhetoric, based on populism, versus truly leading! A true leaders always asks why something needs to be done, when, or what the timeline should be, where the group needs to be, and who will lead it to their promised land!
Leading often means avoiding simplistic answers and empty rhetoric, while focusing on what needs to be done, in a thorough, relevant, timely manner! Will you take the time, and make the effort to really REVIEW?
Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, and Director of Development, as well as a consultant. He has professionally run events, consulted to over a thousand leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for over 30 years. Rich has written three books and well over a thousand articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead