Great Leaders Are Made

When you think about the attributes of a great leader, do you envision someone who is highly charismatic, extremely intelligent, extroverted, confident, decisive, hard charging, shrewd, intimidating, direct, a micromanager, egotistical, money motivated, power seeking, and border line arrogant? If so, you are wrong. A person such as this may get compliant behavior that achieves short-term results, but the type of committed behavior that is necessary to achieve long-term and sustainable results will never be achieved.

Some of the greatest business, political, and non-profit leaders in history were certainly strong, confident, decisive, and driven to achieve. However, many were also somewhat introverted, emotionally intelligent, servant minded, people centered, purpose motivated, self-aware, and grateful. Not all started out this way. Some developed their leadership skills and abilities over time and through many trials, tribulations, and mistakes. Eventually, they learned there were certain behaviors that were not going to serve them well if they hoped to create something great. So, they adjusted.

After tripping over himself, Steve Jobs learned to lead at a level that allowed him to create a great company. While he remained autocratic and detail minded, he became more socially and emotionally intelligent and less abrasive. Not perfect, but certainly perfect enough to achieve his original vision and purpose. The same can be said for Henry ford, John D. Rockefeller, Mark Cuban, Martha Stewart, Winston Churchill, and Theodore Roosevelt. None were perfect at the start of their leadership journey, but all were able to self-reflect and make the change necessary to achieve their vision and purpose.

Great leaders are transformational. They understand that their primary purpose is to influence people to act, drive change, and achieve the organization’s purpose or their cause. Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Theresa, Sojourner Truth, Muhammed Ali, Nelson Mandela, and Dwight D. Eisenhour influenced change and transformed the world with their leadership style and approach toward achieving something greater than self. These leaders are responsible for some of the most impactful and meaningful changes in world history. Without their leadership abilities and determination to achieve a greater purpose than self, the world would be much different than it is today.

The Reality

The reality is that most great leaders are not supernatural. They don't always make the right decision, they aren't always confident, they sometimes allow themselves to be intimidated by others and by situations, and they certainly aren't always the life of the party or the mystical personality that some believe them to be.

Great leaders are people just like you. They wake up every day, possibly wanting to stay in bed as opposed to working out, but they get up anyway, never compromising. They brush their teeth, shower, and pull their pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us. Some days they too need a mental health day. Some days they too worry that they are spending too much time at work and not enough time at home. Some days they too worry about the future and pray their decisions work out the way the think they will.

The Difference

The difference between great leaders and every other leader is that great leaders also worry about how their decisions will impact those they serve. Yes, they know there will be occasions that they will have to make decisions that will not always have a positive impact on everyone they serve. However, they think through the impact before, during, and after the decision is made. They actively work to mitigate any negative impact in every way possible. The difference between the great ones and everyone else is that when they make those tough decisions they do so with genuine concern for others and with an empathetic heart.

Situations and Relationships

Stephen Covey once said that we should not allow a situation ruin a relationship. This is true for every relationship, business or personal. Things will go wrong, and people will disappoint. However, it is how we choose to approach the situation and the person that matters most. Shooting first before understanding is not going to achieve the result you want, and it will certainly not be a model for the 99 who are watching how you treat the one. All situations can be addressed calmly and respectfully, no matter how frustrating or difficult they may seem.

Great leaders work to create strong relationships with their people, work to nurture a sincere appreciation for who they are, and seek to help wherever they can. Great leaders know that people are the difference maker when it comes to sustained results. If people feel like leadership cares, understands, and are looking out for their best interests, they will do all they can to perform at the highest level possible.

Reflect and Restart

It is never too late to change. Some of the greatest leaders of all time struggled to lead at the start but had the wherewithal to take a step back and evaluate the results they were achieving. It is only through self-reflection that change can occur. When we are truly honest with ourselves, we are better able to understand the reality of our situation. It is then that we can map a plan for change and commit. While change will not happen overnight, if we stay the course and act, over time we will realize the fruits of our labors. More importantly, so will those we lead.

Randy Stepp is a Principal with Renaissance Leadership Group. RLG is a full-service business and development company driven by a purpose to help business owners realize their dreams of independence and freedom.

Visit Renaissance Leadership Group at www.renaissanceleadershipgroup.com to learn more.