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 week we 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 then 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!
About The Author:
Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.
To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.
Leadership can be a very challenging task. As leaders we... Read More
Have you ever noticed that since the early part of... Read More
President Ike Eisenhower once demonstrated the difference between leadership and... Read More
Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most remarkable men in... Read More
You're a bright, successful business executive making good money and... Read More
A good strong example of a family leader would be... Read More
Many people end up in a supervisory position or SOHO... Read More
The Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness talks with Dennis... Read More
The Lakota tribe of Native Americans has no word in... Read More
As someone who teaches, manages, parents or influences you'll probably... Read More
DESCRIPTION CMOE's Leadership Skill Training addresses a wide range of... Read More
A German silent film melodrama depicts an airship bombing London... Read More
Decades ago, as a rifle platoon commander in the Marines,... Read More
Master The Five Key Facets of High Performance LeadershipMany people... Read More
Charlotte decides to do good. Charlotte is a highly motivated... Read More
To excel in business we need conscious command of all... Read More
latent (adj.) ? Not visible or apparent, but capable of... Read More
The date was Saturday, April 11, 1970, the time 13:13... Read More
Don't you love politics?Me, neither. But I do like thinking... Read More
Business leaders have more than a title on their doors.... Read More
Your word is your truth - Know that when you... Read More
... Read More
Did you ever notice that In our American culture, we... Read More
CHAPTER 1 ************ VALUEThose qualities regarded by a person or... Read More
Connect and Engage! Your People Are Your Power.It's been said... Read More
By definition a leaders leads a team to take action... Read More
You've spent the last 12 years riding your technical skills... Read More
What motivates people to work and to achieve? What circumstances... Read More
"Leaders are born, not made." Right? Let me ask you... Read More
You are a leader if someone is following you. This... Read More
"What is leadership?" When this question is asked most of... Read More
All of us join professional organizations for a reason--a friend... Read More
"Before you become a leader success is all about growing... Read More
The United Nations Conference on Law of the Sea was... Read More
The Leadership ChallengeLeaders in today's society are faced with an... Read More
I am fascinated by problems. I like to think of... Read More
Leaders do nothing more important than get results. But you... Read More
Each and every one of you has hidden deep inside... Read More
Perhaps noted as one of the greatest United States presidents... Read More
"How you think determines how you act. How you... Read More
"Do what you do so well that they will want... Read More
Delegating is a commonly misunderstood concept. Delegating is not about... Read More
"The only way to enjoy anything in this life, is... Read More
Identity CrisisIt's not only the knowledge you carry around in... Read More
At your next staff meeting consider leading your team through... Read More
SET CLEAR AND REASONABLE OBJECTIVES FOR THEMSELVES AND OTHERS: Plan?... Read More
What do you think makes your company successful? Your newest... Read More
"Enflamed with the study of learning and the admiration of... Read More
Master The Five Key Facets of High Performance LeadershipMany people... Read More
Though out your career you may be asked to become... Read More
Leadership Leadership |