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Richard
02-03-2013, 09:53
I find this to be a well thought out piece.

Richard :munchin

Be a More Gracious Leader: 12 Ways
Inc, 29 Jan 2013

Today's business environment demands people to step up and be aggressive, strong leaders, in order to get ahead and drive their companies and careers forward. In that powerful march to success sometimes there is so much focus on being strong and assertive, people forget the human side.

Here are 12 leadership qualities paired with their gracious counterparts. I'll leave it to you to find the combination that works in your world so others can perceive and respect you as a gracious individual.

1. Be Confident and Show Empathy

People will follow you if you express that you know what you're doing and where you are going. But not everyone sees it your way or can travel at your pace. See the road from their perspective and help them find the path.

2. Be Punctual and Show Forgiveness

Good leaders manage their time well and are respectful of other people's minutes. But everyone gets overly busy or distracted at some point. When one is late, assess the root of the faux pas before assuming disrespect. Then simply make the point and move on.

3. Be Proud and Show Humility

You should take pride in your accomplishments and push for achievement. But people most admire those leaders whose accomplishments speak for themselves and whose greatest accomplishment is the success of their followers.

4. Be Disciplined and Show Humanity

Serious, focused discipline is what gets most jobs done efficiently and effectively. But not everyone can go nonstop like a robot. Let people be people. They need to relax and recharge. Show them you can have fun as well. A little humor goes a long way to connect and show your human side.

5. Be Recognized and Show Recognition

One should openly accept accolades when they are bestowed. False modesty is not becoming. But hogging the limelight won't inspire your followers. Share the spotlight and the journey. Help everyone participate and enjoy the rewards of accomplishment.

6. Be Bold and Show Discretion

Great leaders step out to the front and charge the action forward. But not every conflict is a full on battle requiring big resources and heavy artillery. Determine the appropriate amount of time and energy for the situation, then apply it deftly. You'll keep your team fresh, alert, and ready for the big battles ahead.

7. Be Spontaneous and Show Thoughtfulness

Being ready for anything is a virtue, and a strong leader knows how to shake things up with excitement. But people also gain strength from a certain level of thoroughness and predictability. They value leaders who take the time to consider all options before venturing off into the unknown.

8. Be Directed and Show Consideration

You're successful because you know how to drive your own success. But people need to follow because they believe, and simply telling them your way is the right way is not always enough for them to buy in. Lead by example. Demonstrate how the choices you've made will have the same positive affect on their performance. Consider that their life experience is different than yours and help them comprehend the appropriate interpretation.

9. Be Firm and Show Compassion

Most great leaders are likeable not because they are lax. They provide structure for success and make sure boundaries are clearly marked. If too many ignore the barriers, all hell can break loose. But people are naturally well intended. Failure must be approached with compassionate correction and learning. Kindly help transgressors find their way to happiness and success either in or out of your organization.

10. Be Generous and Show Gratitude

Leaders must give of themselves constantly. They give their time, knowledge, energy, motivation, and insights. They know that the more they give, the more success the team will achieve, and often they do so selflessly. But followers give as well. To feel worthwhile the team needs to know the leader appreciates how the team has gone above and beyond. A grateful leader has a loyal following.

11. Be a Listener and Show Appreciation

Thoughtful listening is important, but often leaders may have to rightly dismiss what was expressed. Listening is not always demonstrated through acceptance. Sometimes the answer is still no. But artful leaders are capable of making followers feel appreciated for simply having the opportunity to share their point of view. Then, even the skeptics will buy in to the vision and commit their all.

12. Be a Leader and Show Compliance

Simply put, the most gracious and powerful leaders are the ones who understand when to step back as a follower and let the most appropriate person lead.

http://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/be-a-more-gracious-leader-12-ways.html

Dozer523
02-03-2013, 09:55
I just wish the first thing that popped up wasn't two guys hugging. :D

Flagg
02-03-2013, 16:35
I'm a big fan of Inc Magazine.

But there's a couple more things I'd throw in that aren't covered or simply don't pop out as readily as I value them.

I'm not seeing much in the way of "lead by example/Do what you say, say what you do". There's been some shocking examples of this lately in both civilian and military senior leadership.

I reckon consistency is pretty important as well.

But beyond the "lead by example" part, I think one of the most important qualities of a good leader is "murdering mediocrity".

I've always been intrigued by how the value of a comment such as "You guys don't completely suck anymore" from a strong leader has far, far greater value than "You guys are the best team ever in history" from a weak leader.

It's like a leadership parallel to the difference between a beret that is HARD won and rarely gained compared with one that is handed out for just showing up.

Leaders who can develop a reality and a perception where their praise is very hard earned and very highly valued is something that I place great value in with the leaders I try to emulate.

One of the most memorable compliments my guys and I received once was when we were told we improved to the point we only "look like a small nugget of poo" which was far better than the "giant steaming pile of poo" earlier than day. Eventually moving to "mediocre" and finally "temporarily acceptable." All said with a balance of humor and seriousness towards the job at hand.

I like the #12 followership part.