Leadership Lessons I Learned on the Links
by Tom Hinton

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Here are the 18 attributes of a leader from my new book, "Leadership Lessons I Learned On the Links: 72 Ways to Par the Course of Business and Life," that you can use to grow your business and improve your leadership and management skills. I learned these attributes from my mentor, Jack Rudabee, when I caddied for him during my high school summers at his country club in Potomac, Maryland.

1. Courage
A leader develops the ability to overcome self-doubt and fears and take risks even in the face of difficult odds. Without courage, a person is paralyzed and unable to act.

2. Clarity of Purpose
Leaders have a clear reason for being and doing what they do. Leaders achieve their purpose by striving to attain authentic power.

3. Written Goals
The difference between goals and dreams, is that goals are set in writing. A leader does not settle for easy goals. Instead, a leader imagines a desired end result and establishes a goal that inspires people to reach beyond their self-imposed limits.

4. Focus and Determination
A leader has the power of concentration to stay focused. They do not become distracted and lose sight of their objectives. A lack of focus is the primary reason why most people never reach their full potential. The leader also is determined. Jack believed that much of success can be attributed to a leader`s conviction that his plans are achievable, despite the contrary viewpoints of others.

5. Love of People
A leader accomplishes their purpose and goals through people. A leader develops a genuine love for people in order to earn their respect and trust.

6. Integrity
At the core of a leader`s value system is integrity. People will follow the leader they trust. The best way for a leader to earn someone`s trust is to honor their words and promises ó that is, living what you say and doing what you ask of others.

7. Respect for All Living Things
A leader understands and appreciates that all living things on this planet are interrelated and connected to a higher plan. A person cannot fully respect themselves if they do not respect the worth of all living things and their role in our extended universe.

8. The Ability to Communicate
A leader develops the ability to think clearly and express themself eloquently in order to espouse ideas that inspire people to embrace their vision and goals. This is the heart of communication.

9. A Listening Heart
A leader does not judge solely by what they hear; rather, they reflect on the message and emotions wrapped inside the person`s words.

10. A Sense of Humor
A leader is able to smile, laugh, and enjoy their way to the top. Without a sense of humor, it is a very steep climb to the top and a bruising fall to the bottom.

11. Self-Confidence
Leaders believe in themselves and, by their example, they inspire confidence, support, and trust from others. A leader understands that while there are no secrets to success, there are systems to success.

12. Fairness
A leader understands that fairness has more to do with making everyone feel special, than it does with enforcing policies, rules, and procedures. Fairness means everybody has a chance to succeed.

13. Innovation
A leader has imagination. Leaders see the possibilities for the future and en courages their people to think outside the box and dream big.

14. Decisiveness
A leader acts by making decisions carefully, and in a timely manner, so that opportunities are not wasted. Leaders also are slow to reverse their decisions once they are made, because they have conviction and determination.

15. Negotiating Skills
A leader understands that givers gain. But, a leader also understands that everybody wants something. This is the heart of every negotiation. Leaders try to give others what they want without giving away what they need or cannot afford to do without.

16. Salesmanship
A leader is always selling something ó an idea, a theme, a product, a service, or a goal. But, most important, the leader sells themself. An authentic leader sells themself by articulating her purpose and achieving their goals without compromising their integrity in the process.

17. Physical and Emotional Stamina
A leader is physically and mentally ready to do battle. This is why a leader eats right, sleeps well, exercises regularly and does not abuse themself through stress, worry, alcohol, drugs, or other human vices and excuses.

18. Anticipation
A leader anticipates the future. They can smell opportunity in the air. The leader, like a chess player, anticipates best-case and worse-case scenarios and then prepares for those possibilities. A leader is always ready to act and take advantage of a favorable situation.