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It's Results That Define Leadership

Written by: Dave Ferguson

Article Overview: Think about the great leaders of history. The reason we consider them leaders is because their efforts had measurable results. Who do you remember who had the traits of leadership without the results?

It's Results That Define Leadership

Some people are natural leaders. Some people are taught to lead and muddle through. Some people are forced to lead because of circumstance. They are all remembered not for their attributes, but for their results.

Think about the great leaders you have known. They probably shared some key traits:
- They had a vision
- They could communicate that vision clearly
- They had a positive attitude
- They understood the plight of their supporters
- They made you feel like you were all in the same boat
- They were steadfast despite the setbacks
- They admitted when things weren't going according to plan
- They made minor adjustments to stay on course
- They celebrated the achievements of the group
- They made you feel as if everyone contributed equally to the achievement.

People we know have many of these traits. What makes some leaders and others forgettable? It's measurable results. That's also what limits the quantity of true leaders. We don't know in advance if a person with leadership attributes will achieve the results that will justify the title. Those who are true leaders aren't even trying to lead, they're just doing what they think is right and they are willing to accept the consequences of their actions.

How do you lead? How do you choose a leader to follow? Every day we have the opportunity to create our future. Consider your choices and commit to your vision.

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Article Tags: choices, circumstance, consequences, great leaders, leadership attributes, measurable results, minor adjustments, natural leaders, plight, positive attitude, setbacks, true leaders



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