Qualities of a Leader

Paul Keogan Apr 10 2003 1

Why is Leadership Important

In a services organization it is the

ONLY

long term strategic advantage People follow people with leadership traits - People don’t follow based on organizational level 2

Can Leadership be Learned?

YES

 Organizational & Personally

BUT

 You need certain traits – For some these traits come naturally – For most of us we need to work on them throughout our lives 3

Indispensable Qualities of a Leader

 Common Qualities of Leaders throughout History  Leadership Theorist vs. someone who people passionately follow  What Attracts people to leaders?

 Leadership takes time 4

Character

 Character Inspires Confidence – It is determined by Actions not Words – Talent is a gift, Character is a Choice – People who have success without character are often arrogant and destructive  Always look for ways to improve your own character.

– Concentrate and envision your next decisions – Look for patterns in your own behavior 5

Charisma

 Is the Ability to draw people toward you – What are the characteristics  Enjoying Life and People, being Passionate  Think highly of others, see the good in people  Share yourself – Roadblocks  Pride  Moodiness  Cynicism Insecurity Unrealistic – Play the first impression game 6

Commitment

 People follow people committed to a cause  Starts in the Heart and is followed by Action  What are you committed to?

– What are your personal goals – – What will you do to achieve them Do you quit if the situation isn’t perfect – always searching for that perfect place – What happens to you when the going gets rough, when you face new challenges 7

Communication

     Make it simple, make it short. Be Clear.

Be Consistent Understand your audience Know when to not communicate 1.

When you walk away from a conversation is it your goal to make the other person think you’re the smartest person in the world OR 2.

– Make them think they are the smartest person in the world.

Go for “2” its worth more in the long run and you’ll achieve “1” more often 8

Courage

 Builds on Character and Commitment  Its not the absence of fear, but doing what is right in the face of fear  Its not smoothing things over – not giving false hope and praise  Courageous acts often bring unexpected positive results 9

Focus

 Focus on what your good at.

– 75% on your strengths – 20% on new things – 5% on your weaknesses  Staff your weaknesses, not your strengths 10

Initiative

 Start, put yourself in the game  Take risks  Don’t wait for opportunity  Make lots of mistakes  Always take the next step 11

Listening

 Encourage people to tell you what you need to know NOT what you want to hear  Be respectiveful  Seek people to listen to – Peers – – Competitors Mentors – Customers  Leaders learn more from listening  Make Time for it 12

Responsibility & Ownership

 Never embrace the Victim Mentality  Produce results regardless of the situation  You always need to be more committed to your tasks than anyone else – You should inspire that quality in your followers 13

Self- Discipline

 Develop and Follow Priorities  Challenge Excuses  Remove rewards until the job is complete  Stay Focused on Results 14

Servanthood

 Put others first  Posses the confidence to serve: – – – – your followers People who don’t respect you People you don’t respect Position should not matter  Serve even if only looking for something in return – That attitude will always change 15

Teachability

 Difficulties often rooted in early achievement – You think your smart and can’t learn from others  Trade in your pride – You can learn from everyone 16

Positive Attitude

 Your attitude is your choice  Your attitude determines your actions  Condition your mind to win 17