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Why we choose the leaders we do
Why we choose the leaders we do
By Mary Ellen Heathcote
I thought that a
discussion on leadership qualities might be appropriate at this time
of year, after having been bombarded with campaign ads on all fronts
with each professing to be the
“best leader.”
How do we define leadership?
British
field marshal Bernard Montgomery defines it as, “the capacity and
will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires
confidence.” Yes, this was spoken as it relates to wartime, but it is still
a good definition.
You often hear that he
or she is a “born leader.” Is that really true? In
my opinion…No! There is a set of qualities that define a leader, and they
are acquired…not birth rights.
What are these qualities?
I call them “The 10 Cs of leadership.” Let’s briefly
look at each one.
Character
Character
is more than talk, and as the saying goes, “actions speak louder
than words.” Character is a choice! A leader does not cop out but “digs in” in
a tough situation. A leader does not bend the truth but stands firm. A leader
does not take the easy way out. A leader does not point the finger when things
go wrong.
Charisma
This means being more concerned about making others feel good about themselves
than they are about making you feel good about them. A leader will be one
who loves life, one you like to spend time with. A leader looks for the good
in everyone and gives hope to those around him. A leader shares himself,
his resources/time, and his wisdom and experiences in order to help others
grow.
Commitment
Commitment
separates the
“doers” from the “dreamers.” Commitment means something different to everyone.
Commitment starts in the heart. Michael Jordan says that “heart” is what
determines the difference between good and great! All athletes know that
skill is just one part of winning; you have to be committed to practice.
You have to have that desire to win, called “heart”! A leader puts his heart
into the task at hand. Commitment is tested by action. A leader puts his
commitment into action.
Courage
Courage
is evident in so many of our great leaders, and the commonality among them
is the willingness to take risks. Courage deals with principle, not perception.
A leader must be a risk taker. A leader must be willing to make tough decisions
and make things right not just smooth them over. A leader will “face the
music.”
Communication
Without
it, you travel alone. Think about the great presidents who have served
our country. Kennedy, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Regan. All are remembered
as great leaders, but only one is called “The Great Communicator.” Regan.
He started out in radio by broadcasting sports events, and it was important
for him to paint the picture for the listeners. He had the ability to connect
to people.
A leader must be able
to paint the picture. A leader must simplify the message. No need to try
and impress with complex sentences and big words. A leader seeks a response.
Did they understand? Did you get a “buy in” to take action?
Otherwise, failure will result. A leader needs to command credibility by
believing in what he says.
Competence
Competence goes beyond words. A leader knows how to say it, plan it and
do it!
Responsible people show
up. A good leader doesn’t just show up, she goes
a step further. A leader comes to play and has her head in the game. A leader
keeps improving and learning. A leader carries the ball.
Curiosity
The
old saying that
“curiosity killed a cat” may be true, but I am not sure it applies to leaders.
A leader must be willing to explore different avenues to get the job done
and venture out. A leader must constantly test the “always did it this way” method.
A leader does not believe in the “status quo.”
Creativity
You only create when you put your dreams into action. A leader thinks outside
the box. A leader shares his ideas, and enlists support and encouragement.
Conviction
Conviction is about passion and focus. A leader must have passion for what
she wants to accomplish. A leader must associate with people that share that
same passion. A leader must live and breathe that which is her conviction.
Common Sense
This is probably the most desirable of the qualities and sometimes the one
most absent.
Many leaders tend to think that all answers come from a book. Not so! Most
come from experiences, theirs and those of others. We are all a product of
our experiences, both good and bad. A leader will use those experiences to
guide him and focus on what is important. A leader will know that not all
situations command the same attention or course of action, and will be able
to make decisions with compassion and understanding.
My challenge to you is to keep these qualities in mind as you make decisions
to elect any leader, whether it be for your Sunday school class, the PTA,
your professional associations, or our local, state or national leaders.
Leadership should be placed in the hands of those who are deserving.
(Heathcote, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker HP&W
Builder Services, is an RRAR member. This article was reprinted with
permission from Neighborhood
Builder.) 
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