We have just had the most intense Presidential race in our history, at least the history we have all lived. The decision for the next President of the USA has been made.
Unless you’ve been living in a cave in the middle of the jungle, you know it was a long run, a heated run and the candidates were ever present in our lives for nearly two years.
I’m sure you’re as relieved to have it over as I am.
I’m someone who writes about Leadership. I work with upper level management teams in many organizations and I’ve learned a few things along the way … about my own leadership style and how I think the best leaders are. I also think, that with the knowledge of what works, most committed leaders can up their game and be their best.
I suggest there are Seven Competencies of contemporary leaders. Although I specialize in working with men, it’s obvious that these traits are relevant to both men and women.
So, let’s take a look. It is not my intent to be politically positional here, although I had my preference. Just looking at leadership qualities, do you think we can we expect our President Elect to be a great leader? Or, do you think with time and the reality of the expectations of the office become more evident, he can become a great leader? If I didn’t believe that possible for any leader, I wouldn’t do the work I do.
The seven competencies of contemporary male leaders, according to me, are:
Authenticity, Compassion, Involvement with others, Tenacity, Humility, Passion and A sense of humor.
Judge for yourself how he will do.
To be authentic means: The ability to be genuine, as in “real.” He is trustworthy; he is who he says he is. He’s the “real” deal. People know what to expect. He expresses his true feelings, his true self.
To be compassionate means: The ability to feel for the hardship or difficulties of another person, and beyond that, a desire to see how he might be of help. People know him to be sensitive and caring. both in his personal life and in his work life. Furthermore, he is not afraid to show these feelings.
To be involved (with others) means: He has a strong need and desire to be connected with others and to engage them in a powerful way. He understands that in a business, as in a family, he is not separate, but deeply and intensely part of the team. He doesn’t just expect others to be a certain way, but represents that way also.
Tenacity means: He is comfortable with adversity, doesn’t allow it to stop him. He is persistent, whether on his own behalf or in the advocacy of another. He perseveres. That makes him someone who can be counted on. Furthermore, with the other above qualities, he can show his emotions.
Humility means: He is humble, e.g. respectful, open, modest, willing to look within his own reality of himself. He is willing to share his challenges and progress without arrogance. He reaches out.
Passion means: He has very strong feelings and desires. He approaches his life with a sense of enthusiasm. He is someone who is driven by compelling enthusiasm. People see the strength of his excitement. They also see his “heart.”
And having a sense of humor means: He is playful, has a strong sense of enjoyment and is easily amused. He is known for “lightening up” the people he is in contact with, knowing when to appropriately engage humor vs. when to be more serious. He can be counted on to be entertaining and light-hearted and to laugh with them.
Now, of course, this is my “invented” list of qualities. Thus, this is my opinion. There certainly are many other characteristics I, or anyone could choose to measure competent leadership. Therefore, as you read this, you will have your opinions.
Does anyone have them all? Are there judgments of certain traits being more important than others? I’m thinking NO. We all have our values and what we think are important. We all figure out what works for us, or doesn’t work for us.
I do believe most of us have the capacity to be great leaders – in our work or in our lives. It depends on how we and others see us, how empowered we are to be one, and perhaps a little bit of “luck.” Yes, luck …. But mostly fortitude and desire.
Ann Fry, MSW, PCC is an Executive Leadership Coach and a Professional Speaker. She is passionate about creating great leaders. You can read about her at annfry.com