How to Lead GREATLY
This article makes an assumption that everyone is a leader. This is not to say that everyone is a great leader, but rather that everyone has the ability to lead and becoming “great” is about choice.
I created a short list of some contempoary leaders who I believe are both inspiring and show a variety of leadership types. If you have yet to see them on youtube (www.youtube.com) or google (www.google.com) – take a peak!
- Al Gore
- Oprah Winfrey
- Simon Sinek
- Vincente de Fox
- Bill Clinton
- Steve Jobs
- Sir Ken Robinson
- Seth Godin
Now, how many of these do you know? How many are names but not faces? How many are really GREAT leaders?
Here is a short list of some great leaders from the past:
- Winston Churchill
- Princess Diana
- Mother Theresa
- John F. Kennedy
- Thomas J. Leonard
- Michael Jackson
After much research and reviewing all the great leaders from both our past and present, I would argue that there are five essential qualities to a GREAT leader. As you read the following words and descriptions, think about how this relates to your own leadership.
- 1. Confident
A great leader must have a deeply embedded inner strength and confidence within themselves. In my opinion confidence is what separates those who are leaders and those who are not. To lack confidence is to lack the ability to lead.
- 2. Charismatic
Magnetic, compelling, captivating, fascinating, charming, appealing and enigmatic are seven synonyms for the word charismatic. After reading this list of words it seems impossible to imagine a strong leader without charisma.
- 3. Understanding
A leader must be understanding and aware of others. They must have a sense of equality and understanding of all positions, perspectives and perceptions. A true leader has the ability to step into the shoes of another and see the world from their perspective. This position then helps them to lead from not only where they stand but from the opposing side too.
- 4. Trust
When one has a deep trust for themselves and others they have the ability to lead, greatly. The word trust also encompass’ the idea that a strong leader knows when to step forward and when to step back. They trust their intuition, which allows them to know when it is their place to step in to lead and also when it is their turn to take a step back and give the spotlight to another. Trusting others to get the job done is a tremendous aspect of leading, no one can do everything.
- 5. Visionary
A “Visionary” is not only someone who has a vision but also the determination to take the actions in order to achieve it. Being able to hold a vision for yourself is difficult yet being able to hold a vision for a group of people, a country or the world takes unwavering strength and passion. A leader holds their personal vision equal to that of the people they are leading. They are positive and optimistic, yet also hold an element of realism knowing when to let go of a vision.
This article was written by Quin Simpson accredited coach.
