By Richard Brody
For over four decades, I have attempted to identify, qualify, teach, train, and develop, individuals, with the willingness and ability to be leaders. Often, this has presented several challenges, including differentiating between those who claim they desire, and are up - to, the responsibilities of leading, versus those who, sincerely, are ready, willing and able, to make a quality, meaningful difference, for the better. While many, leadership training programs, review necessary skills, attitude, and personal development, all - too - often, they overlook, one of the most essential necessities, which is, the importance, for leaders, to train future generations, so the organization, proceeds, with the best chance, of remaining relevant, and sustainable. I refer to this process, as the TASTE of training tomorrow's leaders, and with that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, some of the essential, basic components, of doing so.
1. Train them: One must understand, since there is no such thing, as, a born leader, and most constituents and stakeholders, lack the degree and amount of knowledge and understanding, about, both leading, as well as the specific needs, goals, priorities, heritage and mission of this group, sustainable leadership, requires a willingness, and ability, to truly, train them, in a well - considered, professionally designed manner, using a true, leadership planning and training program. Few individuals are ready and prepared, for this skill and ability, and, thus, do not fulfill, a very essential aspect of leading, in a relevant, responsible manner!
2. Articulate features/ advantages: Why might stakeholders, become more willing, and ready, to follow you? Why would they consider becoming a leader, in the future? It is incumbent upon a true leader, to consistently articulate the features of the organization, which are truly beneficial, and, often, somewhat unique! These advantages, when framed, in such a way, to inspire and motivate, subtly, promote the idea of leading, to some, who might, otherwise, have not considered doing so!
3. Sustainable; solutions; system; strength: First, one must be considered, to be a relevant leader, with, both the inner - strength, and fortitude, to strengthen the group, in a positive way! However, unless one fully considers the possibilities, and potential ramifications, and introduces a system, which provides a sustainable solution, others will often, avoid considering a leadership position, themselves!
4. Trendsetter: One must pay keen attention, to avoid the tendency to bore others, by merely proceeding, with the same - old, same - old, often - tired approaches, etc! If you want to attract others, become a trendsetter!
5. Empathize; energize; explain: Put your constituents first, by focusing on, and proceeding with the discipline, to, effectively listen, and learn, from every conversation and experience, so you might be able to empathize with the actual, as well as perceived needs, and priorities, of those you are leading! Great leaders energize others, by fully explaining, enthusiastically, why the organization, and leadership, is important, and significant!
True leaders introduce the TASTE to tomorrow's potential leaders! Will you be up the task and responsibilities?
Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, 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 Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead