Become An Exceptional Leader

LAMAR HAMILTON

CEO

Core Vision, Inc.

Lamar@CoreVisionInc.com

www.LamarHamilton.com

Topic: Leadership

How do leaders get better? What kind of person will you have to be, to become an exceptional leader?

Whether you are well on your way to being an exceptional leader or just beginning, here are four ideas to consider.

1. Wrestle with your leadership philosophy early on. What do you believe it takes to be an effective leader? To become a great leader? An esteemed leader? It is important to think clearly about the role of leaders, the tasks of leaders, and to understand what leadership is on a practical level.

Leadership begins today, not when you reach the top. Leadership is not a title or position, it is the willingness and ability to help a team or group accomplish its purpose.

Consider John W. Gardners' definition of leadership. He says, "Leadership is the process of persuasion or example by which an individual (or leadership team) induces a group to pursue objectives held by the leader or shared by the leader and his or her followers."

2. Be aware of the flaws, inconsistencies and under-performance...in yourself. It's easy to observe the weaknesses and shortcomings of others; they are standing right in front of you. You see them every day and it becomes obvious where they need to improve. What's not so obvious are our own warts and blemishes. Why? We're standing behind the mirror. Dare to stand in front of the mirror and take an honest look. See the potential and commit to unleashing it.

I am no longer surprised, but still saddened, when a promising leader refuses to seek feedback from their direct reports and peers. My question to them is, "Don't you want to see what everybody else in the firm sees?" "Don't you want to know what they know?" Exceptional leaders do.

3. Expose the hidden things you are avoiding. Things like the people you don't like or whom you fear conflicting with. It's the only way to get along, win them over, and free yourself from those crippling thoughts and attitudes.

Those things you fear, like failure, rejection, shame, being taken advantage of, not being able to ring the bell. You know what they are. Deal with them, don't avoid them. Stop waiting for that disruptive person who is pulling down the morale of the team to resign, help them get better or find a place where they might be more effective. No longer let difficult matters or conflicts lie. Take action on those controversial problems and issues.

4. Be a presence wherever you go. Exceptional leaders are touched by the joy and pain of life.

We often hear people talk about being present and engaged. These are important, but the real power is in being a presence. Feel what your people feel and possess empathy for their position in life and work. Ask about them, while looking into their eyes. When they cry, cry. When they laugh, laugh. When they are filled with worry, be concerned. When they fall, pick them up. When they celebrate, celebrate. Be real; be a presence.

As business philosopher, Jim Rohn, often said, "Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better". It may not be easy to be exceptional, but it is possible for you.

2010-04-08 08:18:02 -0500