The Signs of Great Leadership – by Jerry Houston

Ok, I need your help.

What are the characteristics of a Great Leader? Shut your eyes for a minute. Clear your mind. Now, think of the greatest leader you know or worked for in your life. What were the characteristics that make you believe this person is a great leader?

Use this form, Characteristics of Leadership, or write on a piece of paper or on your computer, and make two columns:

Characteristics of Great Leadership Characteristics of Poor Leadership

(list as many characteristics as you can possibly think of for each side) (revisit the list and try for more)

Now that you have completed your exercise of writing characteristics, I would like you to rate yourself as a leader, 1-10, 10 is high on each factor in both columns. Since only you will see this list… be totally honest.

Next, think of those positive characteristics of great leadership that are not rated in an 8-10 range. What challenges does it present if you have not maximized your potential in these characteristics of great leadership? How does it impact your ability to lead in the same way that you like to be led?

Now go to the Poor Leadership column. What factors are 7 or higher on your scores? How are these factors limiting you in your effectiveness with leading others? Again, be honest as the first step to change is to own the problem, then find a solution.

The fact of the matter is; Leaders are not born, they are made. We all have a great capacity to change and grow… if we have the desire. Human beings have an enormous ability to handle adversity and to embrace change… for the vast majority of us, we love a challenge and we want to be the very best that we can be to maximize our potential. This is a continuous, life-long process.

To improve leadership in ourselves and our teams is essential to building an organization that others want to be a part of. Not to do so in this very tight employment market is suicidal from a business perspective. Today is the day to begin honing your leadership skills. If you want some help, we are here for you. Check out our Virtual Management Development Program. The next class starts in May 2019. Register Now.

Have a Great Week!
Jerry