OK. You started your company. Does that make you the leader? The answer is maybe- because a leader must be able to inspire his/her stakeholders to achieve. Not only that- but, as you grow your organization, you have to find and train other leaders to help accomplish your mission.
The question always arises: “How does one choose the best leaders?” I use the basis that was afforded Moshe (Moses) by his father-in-law, Yitro (Jethro), when it was clear he was overworked trying to lead the people in the desert.
The first requirement is to find people of accomplishment. Folks that met adversity and persevered. Folks who excelled at what they had done. Now, does that mean they need a resume five pages long? Heck, no! After all, someone who managed to get A grades while working part time or managing a club or team- they’ve got grit and ability. Others may have served as an officer in the local Jaycees, which is one of the great management crucibles in America. Others may have already proven themselves at another company. The key is to recognize that accomplishment comes in many shapes and sizes.
The second requirement is to find those with a strong moral compass. Because whoever you choose to assist you has to regard your stakeholders as vital partners. That behavior emanates from those who understand their place in the world- and being content with that place. It can be a result of their religious tenets or their personal belief system- no need for organized adherence to a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple.
The third requirement Yitro suggested (and I agree) is integrity. One of the best definitions was one afforded by Steven Covey. Honesty is conforming our words to reality; integrity is conforming reality to our words. It means keeping promises, fulfilling expectations, being consistent. Again, these are values that are critical to you- and your stakeholders.
The final requirement is to find folks who don’t value money over all else. The need to deal with everyone justly and fairly. Because sometimes, we have to offer something that doesn’t make us money- but it’s the right thing to do. It means our customer or client will treasure that interaction, tell others about our actions, and keep coming back for more from us- and not a competitor.
Remember. No one is perfect. So, we need to find those that best match these requirements. We need to provide training, coaching, and growth opportunities to insure they- and we- reach the levels to which we aspire.
Go forth and lead…
Moses did not believe himself to be a leader. It has to be proven to him before he took over the job. Interesting. I never looked at it from that angle.
Chef William recently posted..Vanilla, The Worlds Most Loved Spice
Chef William…
You are absolutely correct- in that Moshe did not think he could exhort others to follow… because of his speech impediment. But, he clearly was a leader (forget about the Midrash or the Ten Commandments version of his life), but in the way he acted– even before he had the chance to see the wonders of the SB firsthand.
Glad to help you see that angle, as well.
All great qualities for leaders and for FRIENDS.
Oooh! I love that, Alessa.
Maybe that’s something we ought to be teaching to our kids, too!
Thanks for that idea.
That is the beauty about all truly good things. They are the same from the start of time to the end of it. Wonderful post, and it not only makes a good leader but good people. May we all strive to be so.
Lisa Brandel recently posted..Twenty Five Percent Off All Prints On Fine Art America
Amen, Lisa. In the ancient- and current definition!
These are some excellent characteristics of leaders. Time does not change the qualities that it takes to succeed in business or in life.
You did not use the word “committment” in this post, but I think it is evident in serveral of the requirements that you listed. A leader must be “all in” and committed to the cause.
Janette Fuller recently posted..Book Review: 137 Books in One Year by Kevin Hendricks
I think that is a fantastic addition, Janette! Thanks so much for adding that- I will incorporate it in my lectures, as well. Now it will be Yitro, with a Fuller complement!
I especially like the definition of integrity. I think too many people want to be leaders for the wrong reasons, which is why one has to be very selective in choosing theirs… your post is a good example of what to look for.
Suerae Stein recently posted..Fab Foto Friday: The Beagle Bootie Battles
Glad that piqued your interest, Suerae. Thanks for the visit and the comment.
Excellent and interesting leadership qualities from Moses. I like what you stated about accomplishment coming in many shapes and sizes. Someone new to a leadership position might not have a resume full of work experience, but may have accomplished a lot in life in other ways.
Leanne Chesser recently posted..Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time?
Thanks for the visit and comment, Leanne! And, yes, we have to be open to a variety of experiences- so that the full complement of potential can be achieved.
The leaders needs think a lot in the organization more than just their own interest but at the same time need use their experiencie for make the changes what needs to improve in the organization…
Thanks,Ulises, for that comment. You are right- it’s not just the leader’s personal interests, but the mission and vision of the organization that must be paramount.