Leadership is never easy. To lead well requires unique abilities.
Here are 7:
Ability to stand alone – You don’t have to always stand alone as a leader. In fact, that should never be the goal, but there will be times it takes others time to catch the vision you are certain you have been called to lead. There will be days when everyone appears a critic. You’ll still have to lead. That’s why not everyone is willing to lead.
Ability to see what others can’t see – Leaders are taking people into the unknown. They see beyond the clutter of today into a bigger picture; a brighter reality. Many times they can view the end goal…as blurry as it may be…before others can. That’s why people need a leader.
Ability to think beyond today – Leadership is different from managing. It’s not about maintaining systems. It’s about what’s next. What’s ahead. What’s yet to be realized. That requires a more heads up rather than heads down approach. Not everyone has that ability.
Ability to cast a vision – People need to know the why behind the what. They need something to inspire them for the difficult days ahead. Good leaders can communicate effectively, share passion and motivate others to endure and succeed.
Ability to include people in the process – Leaders have a unique understanding that they can’t complete the task without the assistance of others. Genuine leaders share credit and acknowledge the contributions of those they lead. There is little room for selfishness or dictatorial control in good leadership.
Ability to make the first move – Leaders aren’t intimidated by fear or the unknown. They aren’t emotionless, but they know the journey to victory begins with the first step…and they will lead others in taking that step. This ability alone eliminates many from the field of leadership.
Ability to stay when others are leaving – There will be times of chaos when everything seems to be falling apart. The leader holds the banner of stability, pointing people back to the vision, reminding them of the rewards for staying the course.
Certainly there are others and I welcome you to share them. I’m also certain there have been great leaders who don’t have all seven of these, but good leadership will requires each of these at some point. And, great leaders, in my opinion, display each one often or when required.
What unique abilities would you add for good leadership?
Leader, do some soul-searching. Upon which of these do you need to improve?
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Unique abilities indeed.
Thanks
I can relate to, "Ability to see what others can't see", the most. It can be discouraging when we don't have someone to talk to about our clear visions. I experience criticisms or lack of interest typically when I share my newfound ideas. But, boy, does it feel awesome when people see the fruition of a great idea a leader has created!
Thank you
he is looking forward to what I can not figure out
good luck, thanks for share
There's also the ability to lift others up when they're having a tough time.
That's a good one Joe. I've learned there are also times when that's a role of an excellent team member. Every team has one though.
All great points, and I would say that I have had to work on them all. I always have to pay close attention to including others and to be willing to stand alone when needed.
Thanks Jon
Ron, thank you. This post may be meant for others as well but it is what I need to be reminded of today.
Awesome!