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Two Fundamental Traits of Leaders Who Stand Out

Written by: Helene Mazur

Article Overview: Most of the people I hang out with are continually striving to become better leaders. This article focuses on two of the most essential traits of successful leaders

Two Fundamental Traits of Leaders Who Stand Out

Most of the people I spend time with aspire and continue to work towards becoming better leaders in their work, their community and in their own lives. There is no shortage of ways to become better. This article focuses on two of the most essential traits of successful leaders, and has been written to help you think about where you stand in these important areas.

Think about someone that stands out in your mind as a leader.

If I asked you to describe a few important traits about this person, it is likely that you would tell me that the leader you are thinking about has a clear picture of what they are trying to accomplish, and is an excellent communicator. Leaders who stand out know where they are headed and have the ability to engage others in their mission.

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet. Theodore M. Hesburg, President of the University of Notre Dame

There are many people who have big ideas, but they don’t have great people skills. And there are also many people who are great communicators, but don’t have much of a vision or plan. It is not likely that either of these types of people is regarded as a leader. To lead requires not only the ability to devise a carefully crafted strategic plan, but the ability to build trust and enlist the support of others.

You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can't get them across, your ideas won't get you anywhere

Lee Iacocca

No matter where in your life you are trying to stand out as a leader, the difference between success and failure may come down to whether you have a plan AND you have the skills to communicate to those involved and affected by the plan.

Communication requires a lot more than crafting a message and sending it. Successful leaders know that without a receptive audience even the best plans have no chance. Great communicators understand that how they convey and connect with others plays a big part in their ability to implement. Leaders who stand out in sales, customer service or in effecting change in a business operation have a mission and understand their audience.

Good communication requires a two way conversation. The way in which ideas, plans and goals are transferred can make or break success as a leader. An effective communicator will engage, respect and empower others.

To launch and successfully implement any business strategy requires ongoing communication with diverse audiences. To see how effective you have been at communicating a clear, focused message, ask a few questions.

Ask the market- how are we known?

Ask your employees- what are our top 3 goals?

Ask your prospects- what benefit do you see in working with us?

Ask your clients- what value are we providing to you?

Check to see if the answers to these questions match your intent.

I often hear people saying things like, “I have told them a dozen times and they just don’t seem to hear, see or get it”. If that sounds like you, it is likely that your audience has not been able to connect their personal goals, issues, and needs to what you want to accomplish. Is there some way you can help them make that connection? Until they see how what you have to say is important or can benefit them, they are probably only half listening.

To improve your effectiveness as a leader

- Sharpen your strategic plan (if you don’t have one, think about enlisting some support), and

- Communicate in a way that demonstrates that you understand your audience

With vision, a game plan, connection and effective communication you will stand out as a leader.

“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It's got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion”. Theodore Hesburgh

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Article Tags: business communication, communication, leaders, leadership, people skills



Related Forum Posts
Re: Great at one thing OR good at everything? - [quote="babyjoy214":tb4042ja]I heard this from my dad "Jack of All Traits, Master of None"[/quote:tb4042ja] Personally, I see myself as being a good at a lot of my passions, but not "great" enough to earn a living from any of them. I feel that our society favors those who specialize and pigeon hole themselves into one thing. In fact, I don't think you can even get a high paying job without spending 6 years studying that one subject in college + post grad studies.
Re: March 21 Triple Crown Update - Congratulations to the first three Leaders in the Forum category. Keep it up.
Re: Forums Question - Ok guys - the This Month's Leaders should now be working - thank you for pointing this out!
Re: Forums Question - test post to check for This Month's Leaders - no need to reply
Re: Forums Question - test post to check for This Month's Leaders - no need to reply


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