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Leadership Traits - Does Your Leader Have These Traits?

Guest post by: Michael Hume

Article Overview: I've been a leadership counselor for years, but since the last presidential election I've come to realize that I've been doing it all wrong. Clients often ask me what the great leadership traits are, and of course no one has a comprehensive list. But given what I've learned since 2008, I've revised my list of the core traits that make a great (as far as you know) leader. Here are some of the biggies....

Leadership Traits - Does Your Leader Have These Traits?

If So, RUN (Don't Walk) Away I've been a leadership counselor for years, but since the last presidential election I've come to realize that I've been doing it all wrong. Clients often ask me what the great leadership traits are, and of course no one has a comprehensive list. But given what I've learned since 2008, I've revised my list of the core traits that make a great (as far as you know) leader. Here are some of the biggies.

Blame your predecessor for ALL problems. You forgot your notes for the interview? Dang that previous guy! You don't know how to solve a key problem? Sheez, there was no way you could know how really badly that last guy screwed things up! Policies not working? Wow! Not even your Amazing Brilliance can clean up that dastardly dude's mess.

Take credit for ALL success, even (and especially) if it was accidental. Say you were, I don't know, a high-ranking government official. And say you had been publicly vocal about how badly certain agencies, like Intelligence and The Military, needed reform... but then, lo! Say those same sad-sacks actually find and eliminate the world's most wanted man. Don't just join in the rejoicing... claim credit! Dance like you pulled the trigger yourself!

Take care of Number One, first, last, and always. Here, you can take a lesson from the former Speaker of the House, the Hon. Nancy Pelosi, who recently disclosed that her net worth (which was high before) actually rose by a whopping 62% in the last year or two, while she was working tirelessly to redistribute (your) wealth to the poor! Now, that's taking care to get yours first.

Don't be present. We used to coach leaders to be visible and present, but that is evidently no longer necessary (or even advisable). Take up golf, and play it often. And when something big is going down under your responsibility (say, you're starting a brand-new expensive war), definitely go on a much-needed vacation, right away.

Say one thing, but always do another. For instance, say you're for small business owners, but tax and regulate 'em all out of existence. Claim environmental concern, and cancel all permits for deep-water drilling in your country... but "loan" (wink wink) billions to other countries to deep-water-drill for oil there (and then spend billions more becoming their "best customer"). Say you're about health care for all, but ram home legislation that actually reduces the quality and availability of care. Remember: it's no longer about what you actually do, but about what you say!

And if you can't remember what to say, just get a good teleprompter.

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Article Tags: entrepreneurship, inspirational leadership, personal responsibility, wealth building



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: Business Women Peer Mentoring Spotlight - Hi Everyone, Gosh, I REALLY appreciate your concrete feedback. This was far more than I expected and I'm glad you said what you thought straight out. Each of you have shared something of value and I want to take some more time to think and really go over what each of you have said. However, I can see there are some things I need to change right away. What an interesting point about a NEW program perhaps making people think they are guinea pigs! This is NOT what I want to convey! It's funny how we can see some things so clearly in others while not always seeing it for ourselves! I must admit there are a few things I've been meaning to change (like my bio which is very outdated). Obviously, these things need to be higher on my priority list. You caught me like the plumber who puts his clients first and doesn't get around to fixing his own tap! As far as my target market, I do feel quite strongly about working with Women Leaders and doing Leadership Coaching with them. It's non-negotiable in my books. In my Executive Coaching training, the terms "Leaders" and "Executives" are interchangable. To me, an Executive is a Leader and so is the Business Woman or Entrepreneur who is CEO of her own business. I love working with decision makers! What I did learn is that I need to avoid opening up the Leadership term beyond what I described above. I'm also wondering if there is a misunderstanding with the general public as to what Leadership Coaching really is. Leadership Coaching is all about developing your leadership skills, both as a people manager and in more effectively running and growing the business. There is ALWAYS room for growth in some way. As well, sometimes, we just need a sounding board to clarify what our next BEST step is. In fact, if a woman thinks she has nothing to work on, then we aren't a good Client/Coach fit anyway. How can she grow if she doesn't see the value of expressing ALL of the great ability within her? How can her company grow if she doesn't see the value of strategic planning for the next best level? Thanks again to you all! I will go back to my website and really question whether I am conveying the right message. I got more than I bargained for in this Spotlight... you generously offered way more than I was asking. I think we could be on to something great for the Forum. Now it's time to let someone else have the spotlight. It would be great if everyone took a turn! In gratitude, Tami
Re: My 200 post - Well GT, You done it again, The Leader and now you have 1003 post, wow. Michelle and Trent, you are a winners too. WTG friends, you are an inspiration.
Re: 3 Ways I Used Twitter To Grow My Business This Week - Hi Olivia, It seems you are working in the area of leadership area. Is Leadership = Learning? I am looking for some good books on strategy? Which one do you recommend? Thanks, Robert
Blank text field might be better - Hi TheAnonymousMan, I like your idea! I'm assuming it would be similar to the status feature on Facebook where it might say "Kevin is ... " So I think having a blank text field in the profile box (and even "Leader" boxes on the left and top side of the forums if possible) might be more fun than just choosing from pre-set options from a drop down menu:D


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