How To Know If A Leader Is RELIABLE

We ask, and expect, so much from our leaders, yet, how can we be certain, the right people are serving in leadership positions? Too often, political campaigns emphasize hyperbole, empty rhetoric and promises, and vitriolic blaming and complaining, rather than seeking viable solutions, etc. Groups should have high expectations, but those must be based on an understanding of what a leader's responsibilities, duties, and persona, may be! Perhaps one of the most essential requirements of meaningful leaders is consistency and reliability, yet it is often, quite challenging, to know, if a particle leader, is, in fact, RELIABLE, and, thus, can be depended upon, by constituents, etc.

1. Relevant; rational; realist: There must be a balance between goals and expectations. Leaders must set high goals, but must also know what he might realistically foresee! Whatever one does, it must be relevant, to needs, concerns and priorities. The leader must exhibit he is rational, realistic, and capable, of getting things accomplished, especially exceeding his promises. True leaders must under - promise, and over - perform!

2. Empathy; energy: A leader's energy is often transmitted to others, so consider whether someone's is positive or negative! Energetic leaders encourage and motivate others! One must proceed in the best interests of his organization, and, especially, those he serves, and do so with a high degree of empathy!

3. Listen; learn; leadership: Can you resist the urge to dominate conversations, and do you often, interrupt others? One should listen more than he speaks, and pay close attention, so he learns what others believe, perceive, need, and are concerned with! This is the only way, one may exhibit reliable leadership!

4. Ideas; ideals; integrity: Do you propose forward - seeking, relevant ideas, or simply recite the same - old, same - old? Will you stay true to the desirable ideals, when taking a short cut, might be convenient and easier? Are you an individual of absolute integrity, which others can count on?

5. Attitude; attention; action: Proceed consistently with a can - do, positive attitude, and not merely the rhetoric, which employs positive terms! Pay attention to what is needed, and pursue the best course of action. Conceive, create and implement, a relevant action plan, based on professional, strategic planning!

6. Beliefs; benefits: Are your beliefs consistent with the mission of the group, and do they benefit those you serve. as well as the sustainability of the organization?

7. Logical: Do your ideas make sense? How do you determine your course of action, and is it logical, and relevant?

8. Excellence; example: Avoid the temptation to prematurely settle, for less than the best, thinking, it's good - enough! Pursue excellence, and set an example for others to believe in, and follow!

One can not be a true leader unless he is both, actually, as well as perceived of, as being, RELIABLE! Will you fit the bill?

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, and Director of Development, as well as a consultant. He has professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for leadership planning: http://facebook.com/Plan2lead


 By Richard Brody


Article Source: How To Know If A Leader Is RELIABLE