We tend to think of powerful leaders as figures of moral stature or financial acumen and believe those in authority should stand out from the crowd. In fact, we often put them on a pedestal, believing that few have the potential to match their genius.
But dynamic leaders are similar to the rest of us in many ways. They set goals and work toward them sometimes falling short. The main difference is that great leaders consistently meet and exceed their goals. They set higher goals, and meet those as well. Sometimes falling short, these men and women are not deterred from persevering in an ongoing quest to reach new heights in their climb to success. Many claim the following six strategies have helped to pave their way.
Clear Vision
Successful people have a clear idea of what they want to accomplish, whether it's inventing an amazing technological device or housing the homeless. Many write down their vision or brand it to share with the world. Soon countless others become aware of and impressed by their ability to fulfill their mission.
Commitment and Determination
Although a visionary's quest may grow out of a dream, it must be guided by realistic commitment and determination. Recognizing that no one will nurture their dream the way that they do, a strong leader will commit everything to make it happen rather than depending on others and then blaming them when it fails.
Resources and Mentors
A wise leader knows that wisdom can be fostered by collectivism. Working with a steering committee, a corporate board or a focus group, can mean the difference between success and failure. Planning for a project's needs and utilizing available resources are critical steps to a successful outcome. Many outstanding leaders attribute their success to the guiding force of a mentor or success coach.
Caring and Sharing
No matter how successful great leaders become, they show care and concern for employees and others associated with a particular enterprise. They listen to ideas from their colleagues, give credit where credit is due and unselfishly share the accolades with those who contribute to a project's success.
Surviving Failure
As an all-star basketball player once said, "It's the ninety-nine missed shots that lead to the single winning shot." Smart people learn as much from their mistakes as they do from their successes, while recognizing that failure serves to clarify the ultimate goal of an endeavor. When efforts lead to an undesirable result, they try a different approach instead of giving up.
Risk Taking
The most successful careers often involve some risk taking. An investment of time or money may not always lead to success but failure to take a risk means there absolutely is no chance of success. Astute leaders are able to balance potential risk with prospective gain and often triumph as a result.
Anyone can be a leader, but not everyone can lead effectively. The above qualities are used by many acclaimed successful people to achieve success and become role models for those they inspire.
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