Many people are in “Positional Leadership” situations that give them authority. These people usually have titles: Supervisor, Boss, Department Head, Dr., Congressman, Mayor, or Councilman. Do these positions and titles make them leaders? Of course not.
Leaders have influence. Influence is the true meaning of leadership. This influence can be used for good or bad. If the influence promotes the leader then the leadership is wrong. How can a leader know the direction taken as an influencer?
Leadership is an inside quality. It’s a part of you that shines out when you are working with others. Leadership is never about you, your position, or your title. It is always about the people you are leading.
4 Questions The Leader Must Ask
The leader’s value system must be taken into account. Does the leader value personal success only? Is corporate ladder climbing or one-upmanship used for personal advantage? Does the leader take all the credit when it is due, and not share the credit with those being led? When criticism is forthcoming does the leader accept all the blame with humility and a desire to correct any shortfalls? Leaders who value others by sharing the credit of praise but deal personally with the problematic situation are truly on the right road to successful leadership.
Another valued quality of a leader is team building. As the song says, “One is the loneliest number in the world.” If the leader is a one-person show, then the organization can only grow as far as the skill of that one individual. The leader has to take a team approach if the company is to grow in its mission. The acronym T.E.A.M. can stand for “together everyone achieves much”. With that thought in mind, leaders should know that one person’s success puts a lid on the capacity of the organization. Growth and accomplishment are best achieved when the leader’s group is involved in setting goals, making collaborative decisions, and influencing outcomes. When an open-minded leader establishes such a setting, all parties will grow with a high percentage of success.
Leaders also have a heart for others and are willing to become servants to those they lead. The influence of leaders is best used in servanthood.
Integrity and trust are the words used to describe the leaders by fellow workers. These attributes further describe the value system of the leader. A servanthood leadership style, a positive value system, and team building are traits the successful leader possesses.
Support Is Available
Corporations, organizations, associations and nonprofits are seeking such leaders. These leaders are best prepared by Academics Plus, Inc. Consulting and Coaching. Academics Plus, Inc. is a world leader in aiding organizations to improve their present leadership teams, mid-level management, and future leaders. Contact Dr. Ken Benton at drbenton2@gmail.com for further information.