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3 Characteristics Of Leadership

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My top three characteristics of leadership results from what I have observed and what I have experienced as a follower.  These characteristics are not the only characteristics or traits.  As a follower, you will notice when they are missing, in fact you may experience the opposite of these and that is when it begins to erode the team and individual contributors.  As you review the three characteristics and the supporting quotations, evaluate your leadership and consider times when you sat under those that exemplified those traits.

I get more excited about these characteristics than I do about a new iPhone, a birthday present or a piece of apple pie.  So, without further typing and run-on sentences here they are…Dah, dah, dah…

1) A great leader is Inspirational vs. Demoralizing.  I wrote in my previous post about a demoralizing teacher.  A leader inspires not necessarily by a rah, rah speech it could be his/her emotional presence that is very inspiring for you, especially in midst of difficulty.

A couple of my favorite inspirational quotes: “A leader inspires himself before he can inspire others.” – Chris Bittinger and “Find that purpose that enrages your soul and provides a service to others.” – Wayne Dyer

2) A great leader is an orchestrator of Consonance vs. Dissonance.   To review a previous post consonance is about connection and orchestrating music worthy of a great music hall.  Dissonance creates noise, resistance and disconnection.  This is about communication mostly and leveraging your strengths in the right circumstances.

One of my favorite quotes about Consonance: “People are hungry to connect, to be seen and known as the unique individuals that they are.” – Susan Scott

3) A great leader is Well Differentiated vs. Anxious.  A well differentiated leader has a strong, non anxious presence and sense of who he or she is.

One favorite quote about the Well Differentiated Leader: “Your presence instills a sense of calmness.” – Wayne Dyer 

Our culture asks, pleads and urges you to be demoralizing, dissonant and worried. Why? It creates the falsity of control and contains fear.  We do not like to be afraid, yet we do like to feel secure and safe.  Leading takes courage.

What are your favorite leadership characteristics?