While rummaging through some files, I came across a leadership seminar I had been honored to have been a part of and coincidentally, this past week, I received a number of questions on my thoughts on what makes a good leader.
I’m not sure if anyone is born a leader but I believe we can learn some things that can help us sharpen our skills. It’s not only for the leader in a company, business, school, but even for the family unit.
John Maxwell has said, “He/she who thinks they lead, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.” Timely words to help us on the way to be better leaders.
Note to the guy writing the blog: take a few notes because it’s a good bet that you’re going to need continual refreshers to be the best leader you can be when the moments present themselves. That would be me!!!!
How A Leader Makes Us Feel
Some leaders seem to make the goals and decisions about them and it’s amazing how those we lead quickly lose their passion but for those who emphasize the strengths and contributions of their team, well that’s a team on their way to becoming successful.
For those who emphasize the strengths and contributions of their team, well that’s a team on their way to becoming successful.
Without A Vision….
There is a verse that says, Write the answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
Write the answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.
If there is one thing that those who follow us need is a clear idea-picture of where they are being lead. In fact, we need to deliver on how the goal is valuable to them.
We need to be able to articulate and promote that vision clearly and often so they-we know where we’re going.
Vision is so important in the family. Working with families over many years, I am always amazed when parents kind of just expect their kids to fly, soar, succeed like there is some magic potion that makes that happen. It takes time, effort, guidance to help our children move forward. We can’t be afraid of the unknown or think that we may not have the skills but we can learn so they can grow and it`s not a hit or miss thing.
Oh That Golden Rule…..
Have you ever been in a situation where the leader treats their people like coffee dredge and we know how that stuff is……
Few things are more demoralizing than a leader who is mean spirited, caustic, callous, vindictive with a care “less“ attitude. Having been in one of those situations not too long ago, that leader almost ran a growing, thriving enterprise into the ground.
An abusive leader rarely attracts loyal followers; they`ll have followers out of duty but not out of allegiance.
When We Are Wrong.. It’s More Than Okay To Admit It…
So many times when leaders cover up or hide their mistakes, those we lead then feel it’s okay to deny their responsibilities or worse still, feel that honesty and transparency is demanded one way up only.
I learned a valuable lesson years ago admitting to some volunteers that I had blown it with them and apologized for my dumb mistake.
What I didn’t know was that was one of the first times a leader had admitted an error to them.
The credibility and growth from that moment was immeasurable over time and did wonders for our organization and taught me a great lesson on leading and being human and transparent.
If We’ve Got An Issue, Take it Private
I have been in meetings where a team member has been blasted critically by the leader in front of us and for the remaining team, all we could think of is, when will it be our time to get smoked?
And it happened over and over again and it completely demoralized the staff to the point that people mentally began to check out of being invested in what the organization was trying to achieve.
Public praise and encouragement generally heartens others to excel and that should be our focus.
We can always be learning how to be better leaders no matter the venue, opportunity and how we treat others, how we lead will greatly affect those we lead, those we love in immeasurable ways so…. Let’s lead well…. Born or made… Leading Well Matters!
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