All I wanted for Christmas was more Wisdom! Well, it wasn’t in my stocking or under my tree so I’m sharing some thoughts in hopes that you, reader, might help me develop some thoughts that can turn into wisdom for all of us. As one year ends and another begins it is always a great time to learn from the past and ensure you are presently utilizing your God Given strengths in order to plan to be a better leader. So, it is timely to consider the character traits that best define an effective leader. My studies and reflection on leadership have led me to three top characteristics that I am seeking to sharpen in order to better lead others in all facets of my life. Come along with my reflection and please share any thoughts. If Santa can’t bring me more Wisdom, maybe you can (no pressure).
Here are the three areas I’m seeking improvement in 2014:
INTUITION, INTENTIONALITY and the ABILITY TO CAST A SHARED VISION.
I best like Peter Druckers definition of leadership with my own twist: Management is doing the things right; leadership is doing the right things, right?
We have all heard the saying “Practice makes perfect”, but I refuse to teach this to my children. In fact practicing the wrong thing leads to perfection of the wrong behavior. Perfect practice makes perfect. In order to lead others towards desired results the right activity and action must be reinforced. I believe a great leader varies from a great manager because of the intuitive ability to know what should be the focal point of action. This takes great discernment ability and a big picture vision. I believe this INTUITIVE nature is the foundational element of a great leader. But how does one practice intuitive ability? A lot of reflection will certainly help, but please let me know how you think one can become more intuitive.
Once the leader has the ability to know what the right things are to focus on they must be INTENTIONAL. The right things will only get done if there is focus on that behavior. Great leaders are able to define systems, behaviors and metrics to ensure focus. I know this seems obvious , but many managers simply rally up their troops, gain insight to betterment, but then never implement. All the work put in to gain direction is wasted if not acted upon; therefore, leaders follow through and intentionally sustain the doing of the right things.
I finish the great Drucker quote with a question: “right?” I do so Intentionally (see, I’m practicing my own advice) to show the importance of having a SHARED VISION. The reality is when a leader shows great intuition to focus on the right things and then intentionality to ensure those things are focused upon then the team must come around that vision and share it. A vision casted and dictated from a manager is not powerful, it is merely instruction. This mentality can work and lead to results, but in order for those results to be sustained, the vision must be shared by the others working towards the goals. In order to cast a shared vision a leader must be selfless to let others chime in and contribute to the vision and patient to let others go through the discernment process to get to the right focus even if the leader already knows the best course of action. So, when a leader has a vision, the best way to ensure it is shared is by asking those around him or her: “is this right?”
Let’s all become the best version of ourselves. We have been placed in scenarios of life where we can lead others. I’m certainly thankful for the opportunity to do so and want to excel in the call to lead. Chime in, let me know your reflections and let us all be better leaders in 2014!
