How to Be a Permanent Leader in a Temporary World
by Jean Gatz, CSP

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In a recent keynote for an association`s annual convention, I offered to share my magic wand with everyone in the audience. They could take it back home, wave it over all the "imperfect" people in their organizations, and magically transform them into "perfect" employees. We all quickly agreed that magic wands don`t work, and then we covered some strategies leaders can use to affect change by modeling the attitudes and behaviors they expect. In order to increase productivity, improve performance and positively impact the bottom line, leaders must THINK and ACT like leaders every single moment, even if the word "leader" does not appear anywhere in their title or on their business card!

In research for my book, How to Be the Person Successful Companies Fight to Keep (Simon & Schuster) my co-author and I interviewed hundreds of decision makers to determine how leaders can positively impact their clients, colleagues, support staff and ultimately, their organization`s bottom line. As you read these ten traits, I encourage you to honestly assess your strengths and consider areas of opportunity for growth and development in your leadership role.

1. LEADERS ARE TRUSTWORTHY AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY.
In today`s business environment where teamwork is crucial, employees must be able to trust their leaders as well as each other. Good leaders don`t criticize their co-workers behind their backs, and they don`t take credit that belongs to everyone on the team. Instead, they build trust by openly admitting their mistakes rather than blaming others. They give credit where credit is due, and they help others celebrate their successes. Leaders build trust with clients and employees by acting with integrity. They make sure their words and actions are congruent all the time, not just when it`s convenient.

2. LEADERS ARE HIGH ACHIEVERS WHO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE.
Many people who described the most effective leaders in their organization mentioned words like perseverance and determination. Leaders keep working to be the best they can be. Focused on their goals, they keep things in perspective and realize there is always room for improvement. Continually striving to learn more about themselves and their jobs, they integrate excellence into every task. A good leader must have a strong desire to be the best by providing outstanding customer service and working hard to create an excellent, cohesive and productive work force. How strong an achiever are you? Do you see yourself as striving to set new standards of excellence for yourself and your organization?

3. LEADERS MAKE OTHERS FEEL IMPORTANT AND VALUED.
Since they know the power of the compliment and constructive criticism, leaders take the time to pay compliments and keep their negative feedback brief and to the point. They make others feel valued while offering concrete suggestions on how to improve. In your leadership role, how generous are you with positive words and actions? Are you committed to helping others feel better about themselves? Can your employees tell that you value people and their ideas by your words and actions?

4. LEADERS ARE POSITIVE ROLE MODELS.
In my in-house leadership workshops, I`m often asked, "How do we teach values to our employees?" My answer is, "You can`t teach values. You can only model them." Leaders serve as role models for others by making decisions and behaving in ways that consistently reflect high values. Sometimes it`s easy to forget that others are observing how we conduct ourselves as we do our jobs. But we`re all "on stage" when our employees look to us to set a positive example. How about you? Are you a positive role model, the kind of person others would emulate and respect? If you were looking for a role model, would you choose someone like yourself?

5. LEADERS ARE WILLING TO SERVE OTHERS.
To some people, serving others may seem like the role of a subordinate, not a leader. But a good leader believes in service to others. During staff development workshops, many employees share with me their frustration with co-workers who refuse to help others and whine, "But that`s not my job." Today`s organizations need employees who are willing to help each other. The future will demand that people learn new skills outside their areas of expertise and use them to support other team members, even when it`s "not their job." Are you willing to do what is needed even if it doesn`t fall under your specific job description? Leaders support their co-workers when it counts - not just when it`s convenient.

6. LEADERS ARE CONSUMMATE TEACHERS.
If you think back to some of the best teachers you had during your student years, there are probably a few who stand out in your mind. What were the qualities and abilities they brought to the classroom that made them memorable? Were they good listeners who were interested in their students` opinions? Did they have a sense of humor and know that learning could be fun and entertaining? Could they be trusted to keep their word? Did you always feel they wanted you to succeed, and were willing to help you reach your goals? Were they tough, yet fair? Did they help you grow and develop, not just as a student but as a person with potential and a belief in yourself and your future? The teachers you remember probably had most of these strengths and abilities - the same strengths and abilities we look for in good leaders.

7. LEADERS ARE RELATIONSHIP BUILDERS.
Teamwork is a popular buzzword in today`s workplace. And it looks easy when we watch an exciting sports event with a team that works so well together. But if you ask those who have ever coached a team, they will tell you how challenging it is to take a group of individuals and teach them to work together, trust one another, and support one another. An effective coach/leader knows how to build good relationships so that individuals care more about the good of the entire team than their own personal glory.

8. LEADERS COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY.
Good leaders must be able to state what they need, want, or prefer with confidence in a clear, honest and forthright manner. They must be able to interpret the needs, wants and preferences of their clients and employees to create a cooperative and successful work environment. In addition, they must demonstrate respect for others through their words and actions. Leaders understand effective communication is the cement that binds an organization together.

9. LEADERS ARE OPTIMISTIC, ENTHUSIASTIC, AND HAVE FUTURE VISION.
Good leaders are proud of what they do and believe strongly in their organization and the services they offer. Realistic about the future and excited at the possibilities ahead, they very rarely complain about what can`t be done. Instead, they focus on what can be accomplished with hard work and determination. Leaders use their energy to project their organization`s vision to everyone around them. Knowing the work they do today is the foundation for the future, they can see far beyond the moment and continue to strive to put tomorrow on today`s agenda.

10. A GOOD LEADER IS RESILIENT.
While working to incorporate the other nine leadership traits into their lives, effective leaders understand that no one can do everything alone and no one can be all things to all people. Sometimes they may experience "a bad day" and their future vision is a little cloudy. They don`t try to be perfect because they know that everyone makes mistakes. But no matter what happens, they don`t give up. Instead, they bounce back from setbacks and try again.

ARE YOU READY?
Effective leaders can be found at every level in an organization. Even if you work under someone else`s leadership, you can still be a leader in the attitudes, ideas, beliefs and behaviors you bring to your job. We`ve all heard the term "born leader." While leadership may come naturally for some, developing strong leadership skills takes thought, practice, and hard work for others. Even though it may be true that some people seem to fall into the role of a leader more easily than others, it is possible for most of us to develop the abilities that will help us take charge, motivate others and make good decisions. As you can see from this list of "Top 10" traits, leadership skills are LIFE skills! They can be applied to every aspect of your personal and professional life. Being a good leader is a 24-hour a day job. Incorporating these traits will make a positive difference in your personal and professional relationships, and a positive impact on your employees.

Copyright 1999, Jean Gatz, All Rights Reserved.
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