Great Attitudes Found In Leadership Excellence

We look up to leaders for direction and guidance, expecting wisdom from the decision makers in power.  There are many different ways to lead.  Some in leadership roles are good, some not so good. But then there are those leaders who outshine the rest.

Great leaders aren’t self-seeking and are those with a focus on serving, growing and valuing others. They’re the ones we want to follow and aspire to be like. Leaders who encourage and inspire others to rise up to be all they can be, are people and relationship focussed, who also demonstrate good stewardship of all they have been entrusted with. They’re not afraid of accountability and have many advisers or mentors to help them carry the weight of their role. This type of leader is exceptional, and while they aren’t perfect, they are at the very least a wise servant and humble at heart.

A leader works on his/her shortcomings 

Great leaders are growth focussed investing in self-development and are also courageous, and wise enough to deal with their own attitudes and shortcomings. For them, leadership is not about importance or power. Their attitude is about multiplying excellence with fairness, authenticity, respect, wisdom and trust by being the example to follow.

“The true measure of leadership is not how much you achieve; it is how much you inspire others to achieve.”  John C. Maxwell

A great leader strives to be emotionally mature, working on developing his/her emotional intelligence for dealing with life and all situations from a balanced, calm and focussed standpoint. Bosses who strive for excellence in themselves and for others will work at making the work environment a mentally healthy place to be.

“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.” John C. Maxwell

7 Signs Of A Weak Leader

We also learn what not to do from leaders who make poor choices. Below are some tell-tale signs of weak leadership.

1. Domineering and aims to inspire fear in others. Uses control and is seldom approachable. Their position is one of power.
2. Abuses the privileges of leadership. Is prideful, dishonest and complains.
3. Demeans or belittles team members publicly. Lacks empathy and respect for others and demands to be respected. Does not value team members.
4. Hesitates and procrastinates on decision making. Lacks direction, and does not provide adequate direction.
5. Lacks motivation and vision.
6. Doesn’t grow and refuses to take responsibility for own actions or attitudes and is unreliable.
7. Fails to promote or inspire growth in others. Rejects feedback.

Finding Strength In The Little Things

Knowing ourselves allows us to improve ourselves, giving us the ability to lead others with empathy, dignity and the same respect we want for ourselves.

John C. Maxwell, author and speaker on leadership says,

“A person must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.”

If you want to be a excellent leader build yourself up for adding value to others. Take courses that will add value & strength to your life.

Sandra Ciminelli
Cred. Dip. Couns. (Christian)

Further Reading: Become a Youth Leader

Sources:

1. John C. Maxwell 
2. Michael Hyatt – 5 Characteristics of Weak Leaders
3. 7 Telltale Signs of a Weak Leader – Entrepreneur.com