Eight Attributes Of An Exemplary Leader

No matter what business you're in, no matter what product or service you bring to the market, no matter what innovative ways for doing business you've devised and no matter the durability or existence of the organization, one thing is certain - you agree exemplary leadership is essential to success.

All of us have imagined how we'd lead if ever given the chance. No matter where you are or where you've been on the road to influencing outcomes, you've exercised the option to scrutinize others' leadership style and skills (or the lack thereof). Where do you find yourself now? Maybe you've recently been promoted and are a novice at the level of leadership entrusted to you, or maybe you have logged lots of miles.

Several of us might have been fortunate enough to have worked for someone who we would place in the category of exemplary leader. Most of us would say we haven't. It's not uncommon to adopt the same conviction to leading others that comes with parenting children. You have been a first-hand observer of behaviors and choices you are certain you will NEVER duplicate. Exemplary leadership seems to have a stadium full of coaches in the bleachers claiming what should be done, what shouldn't be done and the like.

When any of us find ourselves in the role of leader, we desire to be the best leader we can be. Signs of that would include looking for that gifted mentor to help, guide, coach and encourage the way.

We might believe that if we lead 180 degrees differently than our most recent leader, we'd do a much better job. Or, we might believe we should lead exactly like our last leader to hit that target of being the best.

But, there is hope. The good news is that you don't have to be born an exemplary leader - you can learn to become one. Many ordinary people have been categorized as some of the world's greatest leaders - Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Martin Luther King, Stephen Covey, Robert Greenleaf, Mahatma Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher - to name a few. All were humble men or women with different backgrounds who all made the list of exemplary leaders. Each of these vulnerable risk takers went down in history making a difference, losing some popularity contests and making mistakes.

There are eight key attributes you can develop to become an exemplary leader.

1. Be clear about the goal. It's hard to get others to do what you want them to do if you aren't clear about what you want.

2. Do champion creativity and innovation. No matter how smart you are, there's always someone smarter. You don't have to be the expert on how to do the work, and you lose nothing by letting someone else shine.

3. Stay informed, keep learning. Researching what others have done and what has succeeded and what has failed gives you insight as you make decisions.

4. Lead by example. People love challenges. They don't mind working hard for someone who is right by their side with their sleeves rolled up too.

5. Insist on excellence. You're not looking for perfection, just as close to it as possible. For instance, if everyone did their job today 95% perfect, what would that mean to the bottom line, customer satisfaction, the need for rework, etc.?

6. Be there for them. Care about them; know something personal about everyone who reports to you. Know their strengths and limitations, their aspirations and fears. Give them feedback that is helpful and meaningful. Develop them into leaders.

7. Be modest and humble. Share the applause and acclaim. History's greatest leaders have all shared this trait.

8. Have character - don't be one. Honesty, integrity, dependability - these traits determine a person's character. Do what you say, when you say you'll do it. Be principled, and hold yourself to those principles even when the going gets tough.

It takes resolve in the face of criticism from naysayers, determination when times get tough or when problems mount, commitment to learning what you don't know, and the fortitude to embrace the changes in your behavior that are called for. Hard work no doubt, but if you have the desire to become an exemplary leader, so worth the effort. Make a difference; be a role model as you strive for exemplary leadership.


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