Following the Leader…                                            Home Page           

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Everyone leads someone. We lead at work, home and ourselves. The question is what

kind of leader are you? A better question is what kind of leader do you aspire to be? 

Many have influenced my career. My first boss was a roller coaster—the team never

knew what to expect. My second boss was a perfectionist, expecting the team to be able

to answer for ever penny on a profit and loss statement at a moments notice. At least I

learned to know the facts, all the time because much of my time was spent in fear. 

Those most influential on my career were those who did not see themselves as “bosses”.

One person who positively impacted my life was a bank president. He was always

encouraging, continually showed interest in others and was in the ranks with the rest of

us.  

When you consider the leaders in your life, what traits have helped mold you? From my

seminars across the country, I’ve compiled a list of what others have said made an

effective leader: 

Consistency

Great leaders are predictable, not up one day and down the next. You must master the

art of consistency, even if sometimes you have to pretend. No one is in a good mood all

the time, but your bad mood should not affect everyone else. 

Humility

Great leaders do not see themselves any differently than those on the team. They are

willing to work and set an example, and do not set a different set of rules for their own

job. They may be the boss, but they are willing to earn the respect of others. 

Expectations

Surprisingly, people respond well to clear expectations. Nothing is worse that lack of

direction; others need to have goals and expectations in writing, so they know what is

expected specifically.  

Compassionate

Everyone has dreams. Great leaders take time to learn what others want, and they

strive to help them to achieve their own dreams. Loyalty in employees stems from trust

that there is a specific career plan in place just for them.  

Honesty

Such a characteristic cannot be underestimated, especially in poor economic times.

Fear breeds quickly, and where there is doubt, speculations are often made in error.

Share with others not only the company’s vision, but also the obstacles, and allow

others to share in a plan of success.  

Listener

Few people master the art of listening. What are others saying with their body language,

their words and their performance? Great leaders realize they are only as good as the

 team that surrounds them. Pay attention to the words that are unspoken.  

As leaders, both at work and at home, the influence we have in the lives of others is

immeasurable. Take time to inventory your leadership skills, and take a look in the

mirror. Are others following your lead?