Good leaders know who they are—their strengths, weaknesses, passions, talents, and values. And, developing leaders always starts with self-awareness.
~ Lee Ellis
Fearful leaders side-step issues instead of dealing with them, cover up mistakes instead of owning up to mistakes; they skulk back into the shadows and hope that the crisis—whatever it is—will somehow blow over instead of facing their fears. Worse, they resort to lies and deception to cover up the truth.
To guard our character with unwavering commitment, our best protection comes from being humbly aware of our vulnerability.
Courage is leaning into the doubts and fears to do what you know is right even when it doesn’t feel natural or safe.
An honorable leader must demonstrate a willingness to reveal his or her ‘inner self’ to their team. It builds trust and trust is essential. It’s also a sign of strength and authenticity, and people are attracted to those who are ‘real’ and authentic.
Leaders can choose to grow and change, but generally the most powerful predictor of future performance is past behavior. Evaluate them realistically.
Affirming others isn’t ‘flattering’ them—it’s when you genuinely and consistently acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments, both large and small. Make affirmation a habit and watch what happens!
Leaders devoid of crucible experiences are likely to be overly confident about their ideas, and surprisingly more susceptible to fears; this is also true of children who are overly sheltered from facing challenges and experiences that help build their character. Courageously facing our fears in the difficult times gives us both humility and real confidence.
Voters—here’s the real challenge: we don’t need empty promises made by politicians whose only goal in life is to get elected or re-elected. We need leaders with attributes that qualify them to lead us through the difficult challenges we’re facing.
Over-communicating is the glue that holds a high-performing team together and keeps them focused in the same direction. And, it circles back to clarity. Without good, consistent communication, you don’t have clarity.
Good teams are committed to the team mission and to each other personally. Good leaders inspire and build this commitment and trust.
Persistence is important in every endeavor. Whether it’s finishing your homework, completing school, working late to finish a project, or “finishing the drill” in sports, winners persist to the point of sacrifice in order to achieve their goals.
Professional accountability is a good thing. Without it, excellence is merely a pipe dream and even average performance isn’t a realistic expectation.
We all want to ‘count for something’–to make a difference. And, accountability helps us get where want to go in terms of achieving our goals and fulfilling our responsibilities.
As is often the case with children, the rule of ‘monkey see, monkey do’ plays out in the workplace. It’s hard to be good role model, and it’s one of the greatest challenges of leadership.
…some leaders don’t want to celebrate with their team because they are afraid—yes, afraid that if they celebrate, people will quit working hard and lower the standards. I say don’t let your fear take you out.
Leaders must be good listeners. It’s rule number one, and it’s the most powerful thing they can do to build trusted relationships.
Perhaps the ultimate test of a leader is not what you are able to do in the here and now - but instead what continues to grow long after you're gone
~ Tom Rath
What great leaders have in common is that each truly knows his or her strengths - and can call on the right strength at the right time.
To make a decision, all you need is authority. To make a good decision, you also need knowledge, experience, and insight.
~ Denise Moreland
followers have a very clear picture of what they want and need from the most influential leaders in their lives: trust, compassion, stability, and hope
There has to be a way to redirect employee's driving ambition and to channel it more productively. There is. Create heroes in every role. Make every role, performed at excellence, a respected profession.
~ Marcus Buckingham
Strategy is about shaping the future.
~ Max Mckeown
Think continally about what you want, not about the things you fear.
~ Brian Tracy
If you first take a minute, an hour or a month to let go of feeling annoyed, frustrated or critical of the person or situation that may be driving you crazy, you set yourself up for much greater leadership and personal success.
~ John Kuypers
Leaders believe that falling is not failing, but refusal to rise up after falling is the real form of failure!
~ Israelmore Ayivor
If you haven’t found yourself yet, it’s difficult to help someone to discover himself. False leaders make more false leaders!
It’s unfair to see managers buying brand new cars for themselves when the salaries of their workers still remain unpaid! Good leaders are not selfish thinkers!
Leadership is about inspiration with character, not manipulation with position!
The reason why nothing happens is because nothing was done. Something will happen when something is done. Leaders take actions!
Knowing God is not enough; you must make Him known to others. Through your living character, you tell more about the living God!
Just as every crop performs on its specific type of soil, and not all fishes can grow in every kind of water, so is leadership. You can’t lead where you can’t thrive; you can lead where you can survive!
The worst ever offence you can commit against your time is to think that “time spent making plans is time being wasted!” Leaders don’t think that way!
To a leader, reputation is an option, but true character is a necessity!
Honour comes and goes, influence comes and stays, but none of them safeguards us against danger than the mentor of true leadership; Jesus Christ!
Never be anxious about maintaining the position you occupy. Be anxious about maintaining your good character and you will never lose your leadership influence!
People will know you for who you are, but will remember you for what you have done. True leaders make long lasting impacts!
Opportunities loiter in every corner. Everyone may see them, but it’s only great leaders that stop by to give them lifts!
Leaders don’t settle for less. When you do so, you rob humanity of what you are supposed to deliver!
You break the legs of your leadership chair when you chase after other people’s assignments instead of pursing yours!
