Ponderings (June 2006) - “LEADERSHIP”

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary …

Leadership is “the office or position of a leader; capacity to lead; the act or an instance of leading”

Sharing my thoughts …

Holding a position of power does not guarantee good leadership skills.  Leadership is greatly a matter of attitude and character.  The great leaders that I’ve encountered in my life share similar characteristics.  They are individuals who see and tap into the potential in others.  They inspire us to go beyond our self-limiting beliefs.  They create a clear vision of what can be accomplished.  They are trusted and respected because their words and actions are congruent.  And even when they must be “tough”, they are still compassionate and caring.   Great leaders lead by example with their strength of character.

Questions to ponder …

1. What is your leadership style?
2. Who are the leaders in your life?
3. What example are you setting as a leader?
4. How can you strengthen your leadership style?
5. What influence has poor leadership had in your life?
6. What influence has great leadership had in your life?
7. What do you see as the key characteristics of a great leader?
8. What feedback have you received regarding your leadership style?
9. How does your leadership style inspire others to become their best?
10. Are you satisfied with your leadership style?  If not, what would you change and how?

Related quotes …

Leadership is a combination of strategy and character.  If you must be without one, be without the strategy.  [General H. Norman Schwarzkopf]

The great leaders are like the best conductors – they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players.  [Blaine Lee]

Avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men. ... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence.  The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate.  When the best leader's work is done the people say, "We did it ourselves".  [Lao Tzu]

Leadership is not magnetic personality - that can just as well be a glib tongue.  It is not "making friends and influencing people" - that is flattery.  Leadership is lifting a person's vision to high sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.  [Peter Drucker]

A leader leads by example, whether he intends to or not.  [Anonymous]