essence of leadership, The

Leadership is a commodity that seems to be relatively ill-defined and poorly understood. Therefore, this brief note will seek to spell out the essential ingredients of leadership so that all may gain insight into (1) what it is, and (2) what exactly is required in order to achieve it.

Leadership is in high demand today, particularly since few understand exactly what's required in order to achieve it. So this brief note will simply spell out what is necessary in order to attain effective leadership, and possibly dispel any incorrect ideas regarding how to achieve it, at least initially.

L is for Likable. Remember that leaders don't antagonize or threaten. Rather, they help others to like themselves, and help them to find ways to succeed.

E is for Excellence. We must expect QUALITY work, and display such efforts ourselves as we lead through our own example.

A is for Attitude. We must always maintain a Positive Mental Attitude. In the words of Henry Ford, "If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're absolutely right."

D is for Determination. Dogged endurance separates the successful from the unsuccessful, i.e., you must persist until you succeed.

E is for Enthusiasm. The spark of life and success is captured within us as we seek to do things with enthusiasm.

R is for Reliable. In both word and deed we must be perceived as being highly reliable. After all, how can we expect others to be reliable if we are not perceived to be reliable ourselves?

S is for Sensitive. Always willing to stop, look, and listen before offering input that could be either unwanted or unappreciated.

H is for Hardworking. Taking joy in our efforts, and pride in what we do, are motivational forces that always help us to see things through.

I is for Influential. Though we can't control what others do, we have the knowledge and skills needed to influence them and help them to understand what's needed for them to succeed.

P is for patience. When others' efforts aren't successful and we think we should do it ourselves, patience is needed so that we can educate and inspire them to do the things we seek.

THOMAS S. PARISH EDUCATION

Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas 66506

Copyright Project Innovation Fall 1999
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