As a sales executive, I have spent more than 25 years helping global companies capture revenue to support product innovation activities, seize a competitive advantage, and generate profit fast. What I have integrates a powerful mix of visionary leadership, collaborative team approaches, innovative thinking, and sales team mentoring and training to deliver enviable sales results. And the following are some of the things I have learned about leadership.
Leadership, what is it what does it look like? I am sure that all of us in today's dynamic, ever changing world would agree that if ever we need leadership it is now. We have an economic crisis on hand, the country is still at war, instability from other world powers and our new president will provide the leadership we need.
John W. Gardner, Former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare said, "The prospects never looked brighter. And the problems never looked tougher. Anyone who is not stirred by both of these statements is too tired to be much use to us in the days ahead."
The dictionary defines "leading" as, "To guide, conduct, and escort or direct. To influence, induce." In this definition we see that leaders are to influence and escort, not to dictate. However, I would propose that before any leader can influence or direct others he or she must be able to lead themselves. They must be comfortable with themselves when they look in the mirror. Therefore the first person we must examine is us.
New York Times bestselling author Phil McGraw states, "I always say that the most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself, you've got to be your own best friend."
Some key attributes that are evident in good leaders:
I believe from my experience that the two most critical attributes are believe in yourself and be unselfish. If you cannot believe in yourself, you certainly can not lead anyone else. Secondly, you must help others reach their goals. Few leaders are successful unless people want them to be successful. And I have learned over my years leading high performance sales teams you never get ahead until you get behind your team.
In these challenging times may we have leaders that are believe in themselves, are honest, have integrity, communicate clearly, and most importantly are unselfish and can handle criticism. Good leaders are grateful. They have a spirit of gratitude to all those who have helped them on their journey.
