“Leadership is a potent combination of Strategy and Character. But if you must be without one, be without the Strategy.”– Gen Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr
Successful leaders have a long list of attributes that contribute to and foster their accomplishments. However, today’s objective is to focus on four foundational attributes that apply to both personal as well as business success. Understanding and committing to these four core attributes will definitely propel you to a higher level of success.
Perspective
Fanny Crosby lost her sight as an infant. Yet, amazingly, she went on to become one of the most well-known lyricists of Christian hymns. During her long life, she wrote over 9,000 hymns. Among them are such enduring favorites as “Blessed Assurance” and “To God Be the Glory.”
Some people felt sorry for Fanny. A well-intentioned preacher told her, “I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when He showered so many other gifts upon you.” It sounds hard to believe, but she replied: “Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind? . . . Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.” Fanny saw life with an eternal perspective. She was focused on the outcome – her final prize.
Character
Having a strong belief in yourself and your business goes hand in hand with your unique perspective. Character however will define how others see you and whether or not they will trust you. Doing the right thing and making the right choices when no one is observing you will attest to your character. On a scale of 1-10 rate your character and your ability to arrive at the right choice when no one is watching you, ethically, morally and legally. Are your ratings where you want them to be? If not, why not?
Vision
Where do you want to go? What do you want to become? Why? Just like an organization’s vision, your personal vision should be and a compelling statement of what you intend to become and achieve at some point in the future. Vision refers intentions that are broad, all-inclusive and forward thinking. It is the image that a leader must have of its goals before he or she sets out to reach them.
Attitude
Attitude is said to be everything; without skill and knowledge, however, it may be devoid of results. The remarkable thing about attitude is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past, and we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is control our attitude and stay focused. Your attitude is your greatest tool! Every individual and every leader represents a unique set of skills and knowledge. How can you leverage those talents to compliment your attitude? Think about this equation:
A = (S+K) + G Þ PBC & IP @ I/O
Attitude = (Skills + Knowledge) + Goals Þ Positive Behavior Changes and Improved Results at the Individual and Organizational Level
Your challenge is to review these four attributes and conduct an honest assessment of where you stand as it relates to your perspective, character, vision, and attitude. Are these four attributes propelling you to success, or are they hindering your desired outcome? Based on your answer to the last question what additional steps do you need to take or what do you need do differently? Your outcomes are directly connected to your choices—so choose wisely.
Jorge is an accomplished and experienced Executive Coach, Business Coach, Leadership Development Coach, and Consultant. He is certified to conduct individual and organizational assessments to identify and provide gap analyses and solutions for non-profits and for profit organizations. Jorge’s passion and purpose is to serve others and develop human capital through leadership development and quality of life improvement. Jorge@BMOCgroup.com