As we discussed in our last two Weekly Fuels, there are many ways to lead, and there are common characteristics that most effective leaders exhibit. Some are naturally better than others in certain areas, but the great thing about these traits is that we can learn and improve upon them. Strong, effective leaders have the ability to guide a group of people toward a common goal. It is not a specific skill that makes a good leader, but rather a set of them.
All of these traits are foundational, and they will enable leaders to meet the test of time, circumstances, environment, cultures, or any other challenges, seen or unforeseen.
I would love to hear about your success stories from the previous weeks’ traits and how you have used them to reduce the tension and inspire your team. Send me an email at greg@findyourwinningedge.com, and I will provide you with some free coaching.
Traits 7 through 10
7. Problem solving
What is your first reaction to a problem? One of my earliest mentors, when he saw a problem that frustrated me, said, “stop complaining. You were given this job to solve problems. Understand that.” I changed my mindset to one of embracing problems. I found the magic word of GAME! I learned to Gather information, Analyze it, Make a plan, and Execute that plan, making necessary adjustments along the way. If you have “GAME,” your odds of winning go up astronomically. Once you develop this key technique, everyone will feel secure to take another step.
8. Competence
Are you good at what you do? What would others say? To be competent, Winning Edge believes that a leader needs to be confident and bold but calm. The most capable know what they know, know what they don’t know, and have internalized a process to learn. These people are self-assured, calm, and competent. A leader’s competence will show in their results and their people will react accordingly. Competent leaders will inspire those around them to be their best, which will enable everyone to take another step.
9. Stewardship
Are you a good steward? What makes a good steward? Good stewards protect and nurture that with which they have been entrusted. This includes physical assets, financial assets, and people. Leaders are not wasteful. Leaders manage efficiently to optimize their resources. Leaders can do more with less. Leaders take pride and show concern for everything that is entrusted to them. Once their people know, see, and feel that they will be taken good care of, trust will flourish, and everyone will take another step.
10. Life-long learner
Are you committed to your own education and development? A lifelong learner, by adding knowledge, experience, and perspective, evolves into a person that is constantly seeing new horizons and opportunities. As Dr. Kevin Elko says, “Work hard on your job, and you have a career. Work hard on yourself, and you have a fortune.” As those around you understand your commitment, they, too, will be more open to developing themselves and gaining new perspectives, and then everyone will be empowered to take another step.
Now that we’ve covered all 10 traits, let’s do some self-evaluation. Grade yourself from A through F on each of the traits. Then get with your leader, friend, mentor, or coach and have them grade you based on their point of view. Discuss each one with a focus on how you can improve to become the inspirational leader that you desire to be!
Let’s Grow!
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