What Makes A Good Leader? – Part 2
So here is part 2 in “What Makes A Good Leader?”…
First off, thank you all for your comments in part 1. There is still much more to say about what makes a good leader. First we must understand that we are talking about what makes a GOOD leader, because we certainly have bad leaders as well.
Today I want to cover a little more in depth to the qualities that make up a good leader.
The past few days I have been listening to Seth Godin’s book “Tribes” in mp3 form. In his book he talks a lot about leaders and since I haven’t finished it yet, I’m going to hold off giving a review, but to say the least he brings up some very good points and is worth picking up a copy.
Good leaders seem to be a rare breed of people; true leaders are willing to go against the odds for a cause or to protect those who are under his or her leadership. In order to be the best leader we can be, we need to fully understand this. There are so many people who just want someone to show them the way…
I run into people all the time just getting started in Internet Marketing and yet, months and even years go by because all of the “Top Dogs” are too busy or too important to pay any attention to them. People are just waiting for someone to lead the way to greatness… and that’s our job.
As I am writing this a Tweet just popped up on my screen from Coach Deb from TribalSeduction.com. She asked the following:
“How do you know you’re a true Leader?….If your actions inspire others 2 dream more, learn more, do more & become better, you are a leader. If great masses of people followed you, would you be pleased with where you took them?”
These are very valid questions that must be asked and answered. We must examine ourselves to make sure we are leading people in a good way or if we are leading out of selfish motives. When you look at the people who look up to you for guidance and help, are you happy with what you see? Are they moving forward in the right direction?
With that being said, as leaders we need to focus on two things…
First off, we need to focus on ourselves in a non-selfish way. You will only be able to lead people as far as you have gone yourself. You must take the time you need to invest in yourself, refuel and enjoy life. Burnt-out leaders aren’t very effective; I have seen that all too much.
Second, we must look at what the true needs are of the people in our “Tribe”. It doesn’t matter if they are a client, member, student, etc. We must take the time to examine what the best way to get to from point A to point B is.
I realize time is a valuable thing to all of us and we can easily try to find ways to make everything quicker and easier, we just need to make sure it’s also the best for people in our Tribe.
Some aspects about leaders I want to cover and would love your thoughts on are:
1. Leaders live a lifestyle that is healthy and reflects their beliefs and standards. It also reflects the end result for their “followers”.
2. Leaders are willing to take the heat and stand for what is right, rather than what is easier. If their heart is in a cause, there is nothing that is going to stop them from victory.
3. They truly care about people in their tribe or community. They will even risk losing friends or respect from fellow colleagues in order to protect their cause and/or followers.
4. Leaders are willing to be different. They are willing to do things differently than other leaders in their Industry.
5. True leaders raise the standard wherever they go. They don’t easily conform to the traditional ways of doing things or the dishonest ways of doing things.
6. They understand that true success is not found in money.
I would love to hear your thoughts about those points? Agree or disagree?
So I will end with this saying…
“If you are leading and no one is following you, you’re just taking a walk.”
Keep on leading people to greatness!
Comments
Thanks 4 the shout out from Twitter!
Ditto on “all of the above!”
#2-4 most resonate with me in re: to true Leadership
It’s the willingness to stand on your own even when no one is standing with you. Being different & saying what others aren’t saying is where leadership kicks in – esp as people start seeing your perspective and following you (or not – even if they don’t – and you’re doing what’s right – that’s all that matters to a real leader)
otherwise… if you’re doing what everyone else is doing, and thinking what everyone else is thinking – you’re not any different – you’re just one of the masses – looking to others to dictate your thoughts, beliefs & actions.
Happy to inspire your post from my Tweet this morning. Talk about perfect timing eh?
Great following you on Twitter Paul – a true leader.
http://Twitter.com/CoachDeb
Thank you Coach Deb! I love what you said! I have always thought is was funny when I would hear a “leader” in the Industry say something like “be different” but they weren’t any different than any of other guru. So thank you for standing out from the masses and being you.
Keep up the great work Deb!
Paul –
Part 2 is just as good as Part 1. And I had also come to the same conclusion as Coach Deb. Your willingness to broach this topic and the way in which you handled it points to your integrity and exemplary leadership ability.
Just calling it as I see it!
Charlotte
Thank you Charlotte for those kind words. I’ve always had a hard time no speaking up when I see something that needs to be addressed.
I hope everything is going well for you!
Ha Paul. It looks like you and are doing our series at the same time. I am looking forward to more information on your magic 6 above.
Hi Patrick! Thanks for stopping by! Yeah, when I ran across your blog, I was excited to see someone talking about the same thing. Keep up the great content.
God bless!
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