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Qualities of Excellent Leaders: Becoming a successful Entrepreneur

Written by: richard mcgregor

Article Overview: A critical factor of any organization competing for market share is the quality of its leadership. The rate of growth of the organization is tied to the ability of its leadership team. Likewise for any individual to become a successful entrepreneur the qualities of an excellent leader must be a central tool in his entrepreneurial skill-set. Leadership qualities rarely are genetic. As the saying goes, leaders are not born, they are made. Becoming an excellent leader has a great deal to do with having the right desires, skills and behavior.

Qualities of Excellent Leaders: Becoming a successful Entrepreneur

A critical factor of any organization competing for market share is the quality of its leadership. The rate of growth of the organization is tied to the ability of its leadership team. Likewise for any individual to become a successful entrepreneur the qualities of an excellent leader must be a central tool in his entrepreneurial skill-set. Leadership qualities rarely are genetic. As the saying goes, leaders are not born, they are made. Becoming an excellent leader has a great deal to do with having the right desires, skills and behavior.

Many books have been written on the subject of leadership, and a number of these are excellent. For example, Robert J. Thomas and Warren Benis have written a series of books on leadership that enable people to understand the basics of becoming a leader. Leadership is more than simply having a vision and mission and communicating them to the team. It also involves a number of major and minor factors such as good hiring, proper training, and compensation plans that motivate employees and a host of other factors. To become a leader of excellence, all entrepreneurs would be well-served to read at least one book or attend a seminar on leadership yearly. Concentrate on books that enable you to acquire additional skills and enhanced motivation for entrepreneurship. Leadership is not something that can be done once. It's not a procedure that is performed and then you are all set. It is a way of thinking and acting-an hourly, daily and annual activity based on desire, skills, training and specific behaviors.

Whether in fact a person is born a leader or develops skills and abilities to become a leader there are some clear characteristics that are found in every good leader. I have found that there are at least three (3) essential qualities of a successful entrepreneur and seven personal characteristic that are fundamental to good leadership. These qualities can be developed or may be naturally part of their personality.

THREE ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR

1) MINDSET

There has to be a complete paradigm shift in thinking if you want to become a successful entrepreneur. You have to change the settings on your financial thermostat, because you will never earn more than you think you are worth. You must take your financial education seriously and start developing an entrepreneurial mindset, which is totally different from an employee mindset. Another aspect of having the right mindset is association. You must start associating yourself with people who inspire you.

2) BECOME A MASTER MARKETER

REMEMBER:

EXCELLENT PRODUCT + POOR MARKETING = UNSUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

Marketing is that one variable you must solve as an entrepreneur if you wish to become successful in business. So it's important that you know your market, choose the correct business to leverage your marketing and you are on your way to success.

3) KNOW YOUR PURPOSE

The last essential thing is knowing your purpose. If you don't know your purpose you'll never be fulfilled and live a life by your design. Your purpose is your mission and it should be large enough to inspire others to follow you. Be passionate about your mission and experience success. I am passionate about my mission and that's why I'm eager to share ideas with you. What is your mission?

SEVEN QUALITIES OF AN EXCELLENT LEADER

1. An excellent leader has an exemplary character.

Leaders are role models for their team. They set the standard by who they are, as well as what they do. It is therefore of utmost importance that a leaders demonstrate that they are trustworthy to lead others. Leader need to be trusted and are known to live their life with honesty and integrity. A good leader "walks the talk" and in doing so earns the right to have responsibility for others. True authority is born from respect for the good character and trustworthiness of the person who leads.

2. An Excellent Leader is Enthusiastic

Outstanding leaders are enthusiastic about their work or cause and also about their role as leader. People will respond more openly to a person of passion and dedication. Leaders need to be able to be a source of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required action or cause. Although the responsibilities and roles of a leader may be different, the leader needs to be seen to be part of the team working towards the goal. This kind of leader will not be afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty.

3. An excellent leader is confident.

Excellent leaders are confident .In order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person and in the leadership role. Such a person inspires confidence in others and draws out the trust and best efforts of the team to complete the task well. A leader who conveys confidence towards the proposed objective inspires the best effort from team members.

4. Excellent Leaders instill confidence in their followers

A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. People look to the leader during times of uncertainty and unfamiliarity and find reassurance and security when the leader portrays confidence and a positive demeanor.

5. Excellent leaders calmly set direction

Excellent leaders are tolerant of ambiguity and remain calm, composed and steadfast to the main purpose. Storms, emotions, and crises come and go and a good leader takes these as part of the journey and keeps a cool head.

6. Excellent leaders set goals and measure progress

Excellent leaders as well as keeping the main goal in focus are able to think analytically. Not only does a good leader view a situation as a whole, but is able to break it down into sub parts for closer inspection. Not only is the goal in view but a good leader can break it down into manageable steps and make progress towards it.

7. Great leaders are committed to Excellence.

An excellent leader is committed to excellence, and does not compromise values or standards. Second best does not lead to success. The good leader not only maintains high standards, but also is proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas.

These seven personal characteristics are fundamental to excellent leadership. Some characteristics may be more naturally present in the personality of a leader. However, each of these characteristics can also be developed and strengthened. A great leader whether they naturally possess these qualities or not, will be diligent to consistently develop and strengthen them in their leadership role.

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Article Tags: central tool, critical factor, desires, leadership qualities, leadership team, market share, successful entrepreneur
Referred by: http://jaykubassek.com



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