Are you leading or following?
By Vernalee
OhioMBE – May 1, 2014
Are you leading your company to the next level of growth, profitability, and sustainability – or are you following the leader? How does your staff view you? Are you considered an effective or ineffective leader? Or are you viewed as a follower? Do you care what anyone think? How often do you interact with your management team and staff? Do you regularly, periodically, or never communicate with your team and / or listen to their views? Question after question abound. But as a leader, you welcome intelligent inquiries because you are a problem solver.
Time out! It’s time for a quiz. To Mr. / Mrs. Leader, here are your preliminary questions: When you think of leaders, whose names immediately come to mind? What characteristics do they have? Do you possess any, all, or some of those traits?
It is a fact that we are known by our actions; what we do or say; and how we respond. Our external and internal characteristics define us. They speak loud and clear, even if we desire to silently conceal them. Our behavior is for public viewing. We simply can’t hide ourselves. Even if we are hermits, we are characterized as being reclusive. With that being the case, should it not be desirable as head of your company to create a presidential leadership style that positively announces your presence? The answer is yes! So the pivotal question is – What makes a good leader? According to Forbes, there are ten basic traits of good leadership.
- Honesty
- Ability to Delegate
- Communication
- Sense of Humor
- Confidence
- Commitment
- Positive Attitude
- Creativity
- Intuition
- Ability to Inspire
How do you measure up? Be honest. You don’t have to tell anyone. Your behavior speaks for you! You cannot hide, but you can improve! Self-Improvement is a lifelong process, but you have to be willing to take the plunge! If you cannot commit to improvements, just do what you do best. Follow those leaders who do! If you are lucky, some of their karma may rub off on you! Obtain more insightful knowledge on leadership traits by visiting http://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyaprive/2012/12/19/top-10-qualities-that-make-a-great-leader/
Vernalee is a respected entrepreneur in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. As President of Lee Enterprises Ltd., she helps her clients achieve success in the areas of human resources, supplier diversity, marketing, business development, and communications. Lee is also a freelance writer for a number of publications. Her inaugural books, “I’m Doing Me” and “Stuff we talk about” will be released in May 2014. Follow Vernalee at www.vernalee.com and www.stuffwetalkabout.com. She can be reached at verna@vernalee.com.
