Back In The High Life Again

Leaders have an obligation to set compelling example by incorporating a set of values, attitudes and practices not only at work but in their personal lives as well.

The majority of the current leaders in our political and sports arenas are unfit to led us. Change is imminent. It is time for us, the silent majority to spearhead the change.

There are many very capable leaders out there who could do the job but were sidelined due to various factors. Are you one of them? Unsure? You are one of them if you possess these key traits:

1) Practice what you preach
Simple but yet difficult to comply. If you preach work life balance, but then always require staff to work long hours. If you promote ‘promote from within’, but keep recruiting from outside! There goes your credibility!
CEO of Renault, Carlos Ghosn said “I personally believe the best training is management by example. Don’t believe what I say. Believe what I do.”

2) Walk the tightrope
People look up to leaders for directions. The difference between a leader and a boss is that leader leads, clearing all obstacles along the way while the boss simply drives where he is told to go. Leaders require sound judgment and ability to make tough decisions.

3) Be a good follower
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said ‘He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander’. The best way to learn is to be a good follower and to benchmark against those whom we aspire to be. Good followers usually make the best leaders.

4) Treat your people as assets
Jack Welch, GE ex CEO said “A leader’s role is to impart vision and a healthy corporate culture, build great people and teams and show them how to lead.” A good leader should intervene, coach, mentor and influence his people to perform at their best. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.”

5) Assess yourself regularly
Leadership is an ongoing process of learning and refining management styles. Stay ahead of the game and be highly adaptable to changes. Take responsible when things go wrong and turn the spotlight on people in good times. JFK said “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

C'mon guys, stand up and be counted.