What good leaders do and why they are loved by those they work with.
Which is the better leader? One that is feared or loved?
In the movie A Bronx Tale, the character Calogero asked Sonny “Is it better to be loved or feared?” Sonny was the leader of a mob family. He was the number one guy who gave the orders. Sonny responded “That’s a good question. It’s nice to be both. But if I had my choice, I’d rather be feared. Fear lasts longer than love.” This is taken from Machiavelli’s philosophy about how it is preferable for a leader to be feared rather than loved, if you cannot have both.
Many of us have worked for leaders who have embraced one of these traits in the extreme. What traits should a good leader possess? Can a good leader inspire? President Teddy Roosevelt had a bunch of men follow his example and charged up San Juan Hill. Can an effective leader be a good servant? Take Mother Teresa who through her serving Calcutta’s poor and destitute, won such recognition that she was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 1979. What traits then define good leadership?
A better leader defined.
There are many books today about leadership. There are also many leadership “Gurus” who focus on teaching management and leadership concepts. A good leader’s skill set should include disciplined self-management, an ethic of reciprocity (Golden rule), the art of empowering, and demonstrate a high level of respect for others.
A man purported to be the wisest man in the history of the world once said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” But what about cell phones, computers, A.I., driverless automobiles, the hydrogen bomb, etc.? Although many creative inventions have been made since that statement, the author is asking what has changed about mankind. Certainly a lot has changed since the invention of the wheel, the carriage, the automobile, the driverless automobile, the hands free ability to carry on a conversation while driving. Our tools and implements have changed but human nature has not. The earth still revolves around the sun. The moon still revolves around the earth. We still have seasons.
We also have individuals who are creative and want to excel and contribute to the improvement of our world. We are people who want to be appreciated and respected. This is what I believe Solomon was articulating. However, what have we learned about human interaction and the achievement of group goals? Children starting school today will probably take a job in an industry whose product isn’t even invented as this blog is written. We now know how to create goals as well as define and establish verifiable standards and minimums. We can agree on acceptance and non-acceptance levels. But how does an effective leader apply these criteria?
Tools have also been created that leaders can use daily in pursuit of their goals. Take a quick self-inventory:
- Are you more patient or impatient?
- Do you find yourself anxious for others to complete their train of thought so you can respond?
- Which do you value more: working as a team to complete a task or the successful completion of the task?
- Do you esteem and affirm your team members when a task is completed? Do you make time to affirm them?
We can agree that having a leader that is effective, sensitive, affirming, diligent, focused, competent, personable, and interactive would be on just about anyone’s wish list. But where or how can we come by such an individual?
Training and developing your company’s human capital versus hiring on the outside.
Where are today’s leaders to be found?
Some companies prefer to advance and train their own people from within their organization. This typically shortens the new leader’s learning curve and increases retention. Many companies consider it good for the morale of the company in addition to the individual who was hired being familiar with the company’s systems and culture. Other companies look for an outside leader. This is especially true when a cultural or major change is desired, when the culture desires multiple perspectives, or a lack of internal succession planning exists.
Many specialists/consultant/coaches today are certified in programs that convey specific content (i.e., strategic planning, management, leadership, customer service, quality, HR, sales, gap analysis, and more). Many also create and deliver custom content to address various enterprise initiatives. This can or cannot include on-site delivery and instruction, at the customer’s desire.
Leaders are made, not born. Those who don’t possess leadership traits intrinsically can acquire them through training, education, and practice.
Thomas Edison, famed for inventing the light bulb and founder of several Edison companies once said: “I have not failed. I just found 1000 ways that won’t work.”
Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, and contributor to assembly line manufacturing, said: “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”
Moses spent the first 80 years of his life preparing for his leadership role in leading Israel out of Egypt.
Regardless, great leaders are necessary and critical to business success.
Moral of story.
Although a lot can yet be said about leadership in today’s culture and society, here are 3 areas of focus and 10 quick tips on how to be a great leader:
Leadership can be serving
1. Apply the golden rule to your daily task – Treat others how you want to be treated.
2. Demonstrate caring and put others needs first.
3. Embrace a willingness to communicate as an active listener.
4. Seek first to understand.
Leadership can be learned
5. Use and develop winning leadership traits (Demonstrate integrity, build trust, be honest, be approachable, show respect, build strong relationships, be accountable, build great teams, etc.).
6. Learn, learn and learn – Great leaders always look for an opportunity to grow their knowledge and skills.
7. Use what is learned – Practice/Apply concepts of good leadership daily.
Leadership can be inspiring
8. Put people in a position to win.
9. Affirm colleagues.
10. And, as John C. Maxwell (leadership guru) said, “Leader’s show the way and go the way”. Great leaders convey purpose.
Go forth. Serve, Lead and Inspire.