Leadership Information

Character Traits of Extraordinary Leaders


When people make a decision (either consciously or unconsciously) to follow your leadership, they do it primarily because of one of two things: Your Character or your Skills. They want to know if you are the kind of person they want to follow and if you have the skills to take them further. Yes, there are other variables but these are the bulk of the matter. This week we focus on the kind of character that causes people to follow your leadership.

1. Integrity. Integrity is that you do what you say you will. You are trust worthy. People can rely on you. You keep your promises. The one thing that will most keep people from following you is if they can't know for sure if you will actually take them where you say you will. Are you known as a person of integrity? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

2. Optimistic. People don't want to follow others who think the future is bad! They want to follow those who can see the future and let them know that there is a better place and that they can get them there! Do you see the cup as half empty? Then you are a pessimist. Do you see it as half full? Then you are an optimist. Do you see it as totally full - half air and half water? Then you are a Super Optimist! Are you known as an optimist? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

3. Embraces Change. Leaders are the ones who will see the need for change and willingly embrace it. Followers will at first desire to stay where they are. Leaders need to see the benefits of change and communicate them to followers. If you don't change, you won't grow! Are you known as a person who embraces change? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

4. Risk Taker. Whenever we try something new, we are taking a risk. That is part of growing though and it is imperative. Most people are risk averse. Not the leader! They calculate the risk and what is to be gained from taking the risk. Then they communicate that to the followers and away they go to a better tomorrow! Are you known as a person who is willing to take risks? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

5. Tenacious. The tendency of the follower is to quit when the going gets tough. Two or three tries and their motto becomes "If at first you don't succeed, give up and try something else." Not the leader! They know what good lies beyond this brick wall and they will go and get it. Then they will bring others with them! Are you known as a person who is tenacious? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

6. Catalytic. A leader is ultimately one who gets people going. They are able to move others out of their comfort zone and on toward the goal! They can raise the passion, enthusiasm and the ACTION of those who would follow. Are you known as a catalyst? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

7. Dedicated/ Committed. Followers want people who are more devoted and committed then themselves. At the first sign of lack of commitment, followers scatter for the doors. If the leader sees the end and is bailing out, they better get out first. Followers follow those who will stick it out because they see the importance of the task and the goal. Are you known as a person who is committed and devoted to the goal? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.


MORE RESOURCES:

Canada.com

Poll Finds 'Leadership Crisis' in America Ahead of McCain-Obama ...
U.S. News & World Report, DC - 9 hours ago
Another sign of how bad things are: The traditional news media, usually near the bottom of popularity contests, ranked higher on the survey's leadership ...
Video: Obama Takes Big Lead In Poll CBS
US candidates enter final debate Aljazeera.net
Obama Takes Solid Lead Over McCain in Four Battleground States Wall Street Journal
WOW - Washington Post
all 2,099 news articles


Yale School of Management to Offer Leadership Development Program ...
MarketWatch - 10 hours ago
The Yale School of Management, which introduced an innovative, integrated MBA curriculum in 2006, is also known for the distinct leadership model it seeks ...
Columbia Business School Offers Workshop on Leveraging Online ... MarketWatch
all 14 news articles


Larkin Street Youth Services Hosts Corporate Leadership Breakfast ...
MarketWatch - 6 hours ago
WHAT: Larkin Street's annual Corporate Leadership Breakfast and networking event WHO: Corporate and community leaders, philanthropists and Larkin Street ...


Legal Authority to Address Workforce Leadership Forum
MarketWatch - 9 hours ago
It is the second of a series of Workforce Leadership Forums and Summit 2009 that convenes the County's economic and business leadership to develop workforce ...


Christian Science Monitor

JROTC: Leadership course or recruiting tool?
Christian Science Monitor, MA - 5 hours ago
Supporters of junior ROTC like Adeline say the program pushes college, not the military, and fosters leadership skills and trusted friendships. ...


Sun Servers Demonstrate Enterprise and HPC Performance Leadership
WELT ONLINE, Germany - 6 hours ago
... "The Network Is The Computer"(TM) -- Sun drives network participation through shared innovation, community development and open source leadership. ...


EDN.com

Cadence Design Looks to Rebuild Leadership
TheStreet.com - 7 hours ago
Shares in the design software maker fell 55 cents, or 10.4%, to $4.75 in recent trading after the resignations of Cadence's top executives were announced ...
Cadence CEO, four other executives resign Silicon Valley / San ... Bizjournals.com
all 57 news articles


( BPRW) Inclusive Leadership Remains Key Business Imperative ...
Black PR Wire (press release), FL - 4 hours ago
BLACK PR WIRE) Alexandria, VA, October 15, 2008 — The Executive Leadership Council, the preeminent organization that recognizes the strengths, success, ...


Vancouver Sun

Liberal leadership race: Paging Mr. McKenna, call for Mr. McKenna
National Post, Canada - 2 hours ago
There is no leadership contest ... I expect he's going to lead us into the next election." I'm willing to bet Bob doesn't really expect that). ...
Rae, Ignatieff deflect questions about Liberal leadership hopes CBC.ca
What now? The Gazette (Montreal)
Defeat means Dion's days numbered, Liberals say The Canadian Press
Edmonton Sun - National Post
all 110 news articles


Welsh, Dotson debate leadership qualities
Adrian Daily Telegram, MI - 6 hours ago
By Dennis Pelham Leadership was the debate issue dividing candidates for Lenawee County sheriff at a forum Tuesday night sponsored by the Lenawee County ...

Leadership - Google News

home | site map
Web Site Development - Search Engine Marketing: Dream Team Media