What does it take to be a true leader?
What is leadership? The dictionary defines leadership as “a person who by force of example, talents, or qualities plays a leading role, exerts a commanding influence, or has a following in any sphere of activity or thought.” Neale Donald Walsch writes that, “A true leader is not the one who has the most followers, but the one who creates the most leaders.”
Jack Welch defines a leader as someone who knows that “Before being a leader, success is about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is about growing others.” I personally believe that the best and most authentic leaders are the ones who lead from the heart and follow their own values. Leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Jesse Jackson. Leaders like Andrew Carnegie and even Bill Gates. They had a vision, and they were not afraid to follow that vision in accordance with their own spiritual, moral, and personal beliefs despite intense opposition, rejection, failure, and even personal difficulties.
I believe that a true leader is one who maintains an uncompromising adherence to an internalized, but generally accepted code of moral values; that he adheres to complete sincerity, honesty, and directness in all communication; and to avoid deceit, expediency, artificiality or superficiality of any kind in all situations. A rather difficult ideal to fulfill, I know. On the other hand, when you look around you, how many TRUE LEADERS are there in the world today?
So what does it take to be a leader? Here are ten qualities of today’s most successful leaders.
- True leaders know who they are.
- True leaders are genuine.
- True leaders are responsible.
- True leaders have integrity.
- True leaders are caring.
- True leaders have a vision.
- True leaders are open to change.
- True leaders value the contributions of others.
- True leaders are brave!
- True leaders create leaders!
They know their strengths in order to maximize them, and they know their weaknesses in order to surround themselves with partners who compensate for them.
They do not use false facades or “poker faces”. Instead, they say what they mean and mean what they say. They are aware of their own inner voices and themselves, and they strive to get to know themselves better every day.
They take full responsibility for themselves and their behavior. They take responsibility for the results and consequences of their behavior. More than that, true leaders even take responsibility for their subordinates or other people for whom they feel responsible.
They understand that the ONLY viable and marketable quality in today’s global economy is CHARACTER. Merriam-Webster defines character as “a composite of good moral qualities typically of moral excellence and grit combined with resolve, self-discipline, high ethics, strength, and judgment.” Every society and every culture values these qualities, which are fundamental to the integrity of a leader.
They know their “purpose” as a leader is to SERVE those they lead. Therefore, they have a genuine concern for the people they lead. They never belittle or humiliate others; and they do not discount the opinions of others, even when they disagree with them.
They translate the here and now, the immediate moment, into their vision of the future. They focus on the big picture and are able to describe that big picture to their colleagues, subordinates, business partners, and customers. They understand the long-term effects of tasks that need to be completed today, the desired results of those tasks, and how to communicate the immediate needs of the business in terms of their future vision.
They listen without selfishness or prejudice; and they know that THEIR idea need not be, and may not be, the RIGHT idea. They realize that new ideas and insights are key to progress and improvement. This key trait keeps them and their businesses flexible, responsive and innovative in today’s ever-changing business environment.
Leaders understand the value of teamwork and the synergy created through the combined efforts of many talented people. They understand that their colleagues and subordinates are to be valued, and they are secure enough in their own right to allow others the opportunity to contribute. More importantly, true leaders recognize that their contributions may not always be the best contributions!
They understand that doing the RIGHT thing is often not the EASY thing to do. They are prepared to fight for their beliefs. They do not allow themselves to be influenced by the judgments and arguments of others, simply to avoid conflicts or confrontations; particularly when those judgments or arguments do not serve the greater good. Most importantly, true leaders will do the right thing EVEN IF it causes personal difficulties!
The best leaders treat each individual as unique. They teach, train, advise and even help people in need. They understand that the more they facilitate the improvement and advancement of others, the more they fulfill themselves and the better they and their business become.
Beyond this, true leaders are authentic. No one is perfect, and it is unlikely (if not impossible) that today’s leaders have ALL and ALL of these traits. But let’s go back to the first of these features. True leaders KNOW WHO THEY ARE. They are honest with those around them and most importantly, they are HONEST WITH THEMSELVES.
So what does it take to be a leader? It takes COURAGE to look in the mirror and really see what qualities you have and what qualities you DON’T HAVE! It means taking that inventory, recognizing what you may need to work on, and then committing to doing the work!
So, what do you say? Do you have what it takes to be a true leader?