3. Do You Demonstrate High Ethics
Being able to admit to mistakes is an
example of high ethics. True leaders maintain high standards and deal
honorably with others. They have the courage to put ethics first and
speak up for what they believe in. Behaving ethically helps others trust
them. Dr. Stephen Covey says, "If you want to build trust, you have
to start by being trustworthy." While most of us think we are
ethical, we s ometimes find ourselves in situations where living up to
our ethical believes is difficult. These situations separate true
leaders from everyone else.
4. Do You Respond Well To Change
Between 1970 and 2020, the amount of
change people will experience will equal that which occurred in the 500
year period prior to 1970. Effective leaders have the ability to move
with the times. They maintain a positive, flexible attitude toward
change. They may even act as change agents themselves, identifying
changes that need to be made and initiating them.
5. Do You Have Sensitivity
Sensitive leaders show empathy for
others' needs. They give support and understanding without becoming
overwhelmed by others' problems. They are aware of how their own
behavior and attitudes influence the people around them. Effective
leaders use their sensitivity to help others get what they want, thereby
inspiring loyalty in their followers.
6. Do You Take Risks
Effective leaders have the courage to
take risks. They try, even when the odds are against them. However, they
stay on the right side of the fine line between taking calculated risks
and indulging in foolish recklessness.
7. Do You Make Good Decisions
Effective leaders act decisively, know
this can make the difference between mediocrity and greatness. Being
indecisive can waste time, money, and energy. If you delay too long,
other people or circumstances decide for you. Making effective decisions
requires good judgment.
8. Do You Use Power Wisely
Effective leaders recognize the
responsibility that accompanies power. They use their power to influence
people and circumstances, without being manipulative. They learn to
share power with others, a process known as "empowerment." In
her book, Bethel points out that personal power is much more important
that position power. Those who influence others only through the power
of their positions lose their power when they lose their positions.
Personal power goes with you, regardless of your role or circumstances.
9. Can You Communicate Effectively
The secret of good communication is
not just in how well you speak, but in how well you listen. The quality
of communication is more important than the quantity. This is especially
important in stressful situations. For example, in conflicts, how you
say something is just as important as what yo u say. In addition, Bethel
points out that the ability to translate our own internal emotional
reactions into well-considered responses is essential to good
communication.
10. Are You A Team Player
In today's world, with the trend
toward using teams to solve problems, the ability to help a group of
people work together is becoming increasingly important. Whether a
person is officially the team leader doesn't matter. Every team member
has the power to influence the climate of the group in a significant
way, and the internal dynamics of the group can determine the quality of
the group's output.
11. Are You Courageous
Although we usually think of courage
as being needed only in times of danger, is is also needed when decisive
action offers benefits, but there are accompanying risks. Taking
responsibility for your decisions and actions, whatever the outcome,
requires courage, as does admitting you made a mistake.
12. Are You Willing To Make A Serious Commitment?
Commitment is the glue that holds the
other 11 leadership characteristics together. You demonstrate commitment
through tenacity when the going becomes difficult. Committed people make
sacrifices for what they believe in.
Clicking here to learn more:
Leadership Skills of a Good Leader.
