A Leadership Manifesto

Leadership is a choice and it is rewarding if chosen for the right reasons. A leader seeking glory, fulfillment of self-interests, or a way to get others to do the things their way is short sighted and will not succeed.

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A Leadership Checklist

Whether you are a first time leader or one accepting the mantle again, there is a tendency to want "do it right." Yet despite what thousands of books on leadership suggest, you cannot checklist your way to leadership. Studies have gleaned qualities and competencies common to impactful leaders but that’s where the similarities end.

How the qualities and competencies are applied in day-to-day situations individual and unique. There isn't a prescribed right way to do leadership but there are principles successful leaders espouse. And here's the thing, the ways leaders apply these principles are as varied as the numbers of leaders themselves. People are unique. Leadership experiences are too.

Grow up and Lead

Leadership is not easy. In order to inspire others, leaders need to be inspired themselves. Leaders bring out the others but first you have to acknowledge the best in yourself. The challenges a leader faces are endless: unmotivated workers, disconnected systems, unsupportive management and unyielding family members.

For leaders to effectively lead, only one thing remains.

The Heart and Wisdom of a Leader

The line from the song by REO Speedwagon comes to mind when I think of leaders who want to throw in the towel,  “I just can’t fight the feeling anymore, I forgot what I was fighting for.” They’ve forgotten why they’ve chosen to lead or they’ve lost themselves in the process. It’s up to us to help them remember.

What is your reason for leading, today and in the future?

===> If you liked this proposal, click through to ChangeThis  and select "Yes, please write this manifesto." Top voted proposals on Jan 4 will be selected to write and publish a full manifesto.

{Quietly} Bringing Out the Best In Others

More and more, I am convinced that acceptance brings out the best in others. It is the answer to almost every interpersonal problem we face.

I finished reading, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain.  The animation done with Cain's argument on effective teams is captivating.

Considering that at least one-third of the people we know are introverts, it is important for leaders looking to make a difference to consider that the "most effective teams are comprised of a healthy mix of introverts and extroverts.

Here are three ways you can use Cain's research to enhance group synergy, creativity and  leadership.

1. Focus on substance rather than style. We see talkers as leaders and put a premium on presenting. Shift your focus from the presentation of an idea, to the idea itself.
2. Make it easy for people to chat. Allow for natural face-to-face interactions. These interactions create trust in a way that on-line or forced communications cannot.
3. Savor solitude. Put the emphasis on teamwork back where it belongs - on the shelf. Solitude is an important key to creativity lacking in many workplaces today.
   

Cain's research shows that "introverts are uniquely good at leading initiative-takers. Because of their inclination to listen to others and lack of interest in dominating social situations, they are more likely to hear and implement suggestions." And, "with their natural ability to inspire, extroverted leaders are better at getting results from more passive workers." 

Introverts, this is a call to you. Your temperament is not a wonder, a worry or an excuse. "Figure out what you are meant to contribute to the world and make sure you contribute it." Don't wait for others to show you how.

Acceptance. It can change us. It can change others. Isn't that what leadership is about anyway?

===> Do you think leaders need to "Grow up and Lead?" I do. Help me spread the word by clicking here and then "Yes, please write this manifesto" at ChangeThis. Voting ends Jan 4.