EXTRA--ORDINARY...

MORE on LEADERSHIP ==> EXTRA-ORDINARY Leadership...

The subject of LEADERSHIP is a vast one - there are many different opinions on it - much has been written about it.

I love what renowned author, Dr. John Maxwell, writes about LEADERSHIP in his many famous, best-seller books.

Personally, I tend to see leadership along these lines:

Leadership - our ability to persuade another person to do what they don’t want to do, in order to achieve what they want to achieve. Obviously, this is no easy feat. People are very 'resistant' towards undertaking certain and specific tasks. Yet, as a leader our main objective is to persuade them - through a sense of inspiration, respect and honor - to do something that is for their greater good, and for the greater good of all others concerned – no matter how distasteful the actual task may seem in the moment. Hence leadership is all about influence and inspiration, and this can only come through a sense of honor, trust and respect for the Leader.

There are also many - traits - principles - qualities and skills that extra-ordinary leaders must possess - some of which follow...

1- They are Consensus Driven – True Servant Leaders, fully understand what Abrham Lincoln understood. That in order to bring unitity to any organization, you have to first surround yourself with people who will make up for your weaknesses. Servant Leaders understand there are no lone rangers. They create what Seth Godin calls a “Tribe.”

2- They Walk In Humility – In other words, they would rather talk about their team’s success, than they would to toot their own horn all the time. When Garrett and I spoke this last month, it seemed that every other setence he was talking about the success of one of his team members. From the small successes to the big ones. Servant Leaders live and die by their team’s success.

3- They Are Risk Takers – This is not talking about the typical risk taking that all leaders are willing to do - it's talking about the risk they take on what others have said are not worth it. They don’t care about the lack of pedigree, education, sir name or past occupation. All they care about, is the heart of the one they are mentoring. When they find people who are 100% commited on reaching their Chazown (Life Purpose), then they take the risk and in most cases, will mentor a person to reach beyond even what they thought was possible.

Committed - are 100% committed to their team, company, goals, and vision

Passionate to Fulfill Vision - pursue their goals, objectives and visions with a passionate intensity in everything they do on a daily basis

Courageous in Finding Solutions - have the courage to find solutions where others only see problems and disappointments

Assertive - take action, and makes decisions assertively and decisively

Honesty - are honest when dealing with others, and most importantly, are honest and true to themselves, especially in times of difficulty and trouble

Confidence - maintain their poise and confidence - no matter what events or circumstances are standing in their way

Never Compromising Highest Standards - stay true to their highest values and standards no matter how much external pressure they receive from other people and seemingly uncontrollable circumstances

Willing to Admit their Mistakes - show their humanity by admitting to minor – and at times major – weaknesses, faults and mistakes

Not Living by Situational Ethics - do not live by Situational Ethics. Instead, they stay true to their highest principles, no matter what consequences may result from their decisions or actions

Have a Sense of Humor - projecs their own unique sense-of-humor, and always seek to point out the lighter side of a situation

Inspirational - project inspiration through their words, gestures and actions. These symbols inspire their team into massive action for a common purpose, vision and goal

Excellence Minded - always thinks in terms of 'perfecting every action and process' that will further help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their enterprise. As a result you'll never find them compromising their highest standards or values

Firm Against Criticism - are fully understanding that unconstructive criticism can destroy even the most resilient hearts

Focused - on the strengths and needs of the situation, in respect to themselves, and especially to the needs of others - on the most important tasks, roles and priorities at all times no matter how much mayhem is circulating around them

Interpersonal Qualities - that shine through when dealing with other people. They are always consistent and fair, open to new ideas and perspectives, and project magnanimity – always giving credit to others for their efforts, work and results

Responsible - take full responsibility for their decisions and actions. You will never find them explaining or complaining to others about their current circumstances.

Strong - Not Rude - are strong, assertive and decisive, while at the same time being respectful and courteous when dealing with others

Bold - Not a Bully - take massive fearless action and do whatever is required to get the job done. However, this does not mean that they bully their way towards their goals and objectives. Instead they progressively navigate and persuade their way through people and obstacles towards their desired outcomes

Kind - Not Weak - show a gentle kindness when the situation requires. However, it would take a fool to assume that this kindness is a sign of weakness. The kindness shown by an Extraordinary Leader is rather a sign of respect for those he/she deals with on a daily basis

Proud - Not Arrogant - are proud of their work, their people and their accomplishments. Yet you will not hear them bragging about their achievements to others

Thoughtful - Not Lazy - take time to think and ponder their leadership style and circumstances each and every day in order to improve the outcomes they desire to bring forth into their life. This should not be mistaken as laziness

Witty - Not Silly - are witty in nature - cunning and clever in their approach to people, events and circumstances

Humble - Not Timid - are humble about their accomplishments and abilities. They rather give credit to others than take it for themselves. This should not be mistaken for timidness which stems from a lack of confidence in one’s abilities

Extraordinary Leaders encourage the highest standards of work, behavior and action in order to help people gain the very most out of their personal abilities...

Inspire through Action - clearly understand that only through leading by example and inspiring others via their own personal actions, will they be able to get the most out of their people

Communicate Honestly & Clearly - understand the importance of honest and clear communication at all times. This clarity helps instill confidence, while honesty stimulates mutual respect between leaders and their people

Become Teachers - they take on the role as teacher and mentor. This helps grow the minds of the people that follow, by instilling knowledge and wisdom, using creative and inspirational tactics

Lead in Challenging Times - are most extraordinary in times of crisis, when everything seems to be falling apart and crashing down around them

Empathize, Dream & Strategize with Others - treat others humanly, with deep respect and appreciation. Empathizing, dreaming and strategizing with others grows the personal bonds and strengthens the connection between leaders and their followers

Create Small Victories - find ways to create small victories that keep them and their followers motivated and moving forward

Make Emotional Intelligent Decisions - understand that, in times of crisis, their emotions can influence their rationale and decision making process in unfortunate ways. Hence, they keep their emotions in check at all times and only make decisions that are based on logical conclusions and solid evidence

Keep Sense-of-Humor - no matter what is going on around them, Extraordinary Leaders always see the lighter-side of every situation. They fully understand that a sense-of-humor is a key component that will relax and re-focus them on what is most important at any moment in time

Keep Motivation Levels High - find ways to keep their motivation level as high as possible, at all times. The motivational strategies utilized in these situations depend on their personality and circumstances

Focuse on the Bigger Picture - during challenging times, they understand the importance of maintaining a laser focus on the bigger picture, and not absorbing their mind within daily mini-challenges that would normally distract others

First to Sacrifice - in times of crisis, they are always the first to make personal sacrifices. This in turn, inspires others to follow suit

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