Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow
"Everything rises and falls on leadership," says Dr Maxwell, "but knowing how to lead is only half the battle. Understanding leadership and actually leading are two different activities." The key to taking action as a leader lies in the individual's character, and Maxwell goes on to identify key qualities that he says make all the difference.
Crucially, these qualities are all things that can be developed if you work on them.
Leadership qualities
Key qualities that Maxwell asserts are essential to effective leadership include:
- Charisma - the ability to draw people to you; first impressions really count so give people your full attention and treat everyone as if they were a "10", expecting the very best of them.
- Commitment - separates doers from dreamers; the only real measure of commitment is action and people only follow those who truly walk the talk
- Communication - without it you walk alone; so you must be absolutely clear and focused as to what you want people to hear, and ensure your vision is aligned with specific action points
- Courage - one person with courage is a majority; have the courage to face the person and have the conversation you're avoiding or take the step you know is the right one but you've been afraid of taking
- Focus - the sharper it is the sharper you are; Maxwell says to focus 70% on your strengths, 25% on new things (growth & change) and just 5% on addressing weaknesses
- Generosity - your candle loses nothing if it lights another; look for ways to bring value for others and give of yourself
- Initiative - leaders must always show initiative by looking for opportunities and taking action<
- Listening - to connect with their hearts use your ears; listen both for the content and the emotion (what's not being said)
- Problem solving - don't let your problems become the problem; they are inevitable so surround yourself with good problem solvers and learn from them
- Self discipline - the first person you lead is yourself; be clear about your priorities, take action and refuse to make excuses
Conclusions
Maxwell encourages us to remember that all these leadership qualities are things we can learn and develop over a lifetime. He warns of the dangers of becoming content with or resigned to the status quo. There are always more ways to develop your leadership, whether in learning more, extending your areas of responsibility or refining your vision.
"Never, for the sake of peace and quiet, deny your own experience or convictions."Dag Hammarskjöld
Statesman and Nobel Peace Prize Winner