It's The Leader's MIND That Matters Most!

Groucho Marx is generally credited with saying that it's a matter of mind over matter, and if you don't have a mind, it doesn't matter. Without the twirled cigar, raised eyebrows, or funny glasses, one gets to understand how our minds are very much like computers, in that if we put junk in, that's exactly what comes out! Perhaps nowhere is this more obvious, essential, and demonstrated, than when it comes to the quality and effectiveness of those in positions of leadership. One's mindset, attitude, and visualization, often becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy, and therefore, anyone seeking to lead, must not only develop and hone his skills, abilities, and all other relevant assets and strengths, but must begin by first tuning his MIND, in such a way, as to maximize the possibilities and alternatives, and, therefore, enhance his chances to become the best he can be!

1. Mental images; meaning; motives; motivations: 

Henry Ford is often credited with saying that one can either believe he can, or can't, and either way, he'd be correct. Why make achieving the best quality results more challenging by visualizing anything less than optimum results? When the image in your mind brings forth mental images that motivate you, to persist and persevere, it nearly automatically creates better eventual outcomes. What is the meaning of those thoughts, and what is your mental chatter, saying to you, and doing, either for, or against you? Do you cherish your motives, or question them? One of life's realities is that, when we first motivate ourselves positively, we transmit this positive, can-do image, to those we serve!

2. Imagination; ideas; ideology; integrity: 

Are you stuck in the mud or quagmire of merely attempting to tread water, or do you imagine a bright future, based on alternatives, better ideas, and a commitment to absolute integrity? Do you maintain the ability to consistently cherish the ideology, which your organization is based on?

3. Needs-centric; do it now: 

When was the last time you gave yourself a checkup from the neck up? Are you willing to be objectively introspective, and be certain, you proceed based on the needs, priorities and concerns, of those you serve, rather than being self-serving? When you believe you can, you become far more willing to proactively proceed, because, rather than wallow in your fears and reasons why you can't, and then proceed ahead, to do whatever needs to be done, now!

4. Delve deeply; deliver on promises; dare: 

Will you have the faith in your judgment, fairness, ability, expertise and wisdom, to delve deeply into issues, and discover the best possibilities? Rather than rely on empty rhetoric, will you become a quality leader, who will under-promise, but under-deliver? Do you believe enough in your views, that you will dare to be great, rather than settle for lesser performances?

If you want to lead, you need many skills, assets and abilities. However, unless you first address your MIND, most of those will never really matter!

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Relevant Leaders Must Always IMPROVE

One of the most significant differences between the ordinary, versus the extraordinary individuals in positions of leadership, is whether someone merely accepts whatever results present themselves, as opposed to never settling for the status quo, or mediocre, but rather demanding their own, personal, highest degree of excellence. Great leaders realize that no one knows everything, nor always succeeds to the highest degree. Rather, it is how one adapts, improves, perceives, and proactively acts, reacts, and behaves! Regardless of one's intellect, skills, assets or abilities, if you want to be an effective leader, you must choose relevance, rather than whatever, planning rather than haphazardly proceeding, and embracing continuous training, taking it to heart and actually learning, transforming it to expertise (by combining it with meaningful experience), and then to greater wisdom, which will provide additional judgment, in order to make decisions, in a timely, well-informed manner. Therefore, if you want to be a relevant leader, you must constantly IMPROVE.

1. Integrity; ideas; interest: You can't fake it, and actually be a relevant, nor effective leader! One must maintain absolute integrity, by always behaving as if others are watching constantly, and must make that commitment his highest priority. It must be remembered that while it takes quite a while to get others to trust and believe in you, it generally takes but one mis-step to turn them off forever! Combining that behavior and mindset, with focusing on ideas which are solutions-oriented, and gain the interest of those you serve, is a necessity of effective, relevant leadership!

2. Motivate; mention: Always remember that, for most people, their favorite sound, is hearing their own name, and voice! True leaders go out of their way to acknowledge and thank everyone, by name and with sincerity, because it is not only the right thing to do, but it also creates a strong bond, between the leader and constituent. How can you motivate others if you don't constantly proceed with the highest degree of personal motivation, and that will only occur, if you feel you are making a sincere effort to improve the group?

3. Priorities; perceptions; planning: Consider alternatives carefully, and develop priorities, which will propel you, and your organization forward. Objective introspection, so you differentiate and understand the differences between perceptions and reality, must be an essential component of your planning process! How can you become better if you don't have objectives and priorities, focused on improvement?

4. Relevant; reasoning: What does relevance mean, as it relates to being an effective leader? The process begins with close examination, effective listening, and developing a better understanding of the past, present and future of your group. How effective is your reasoning ability, and how do you know? What questions do you constantly ask, in order to assure your personal best?

5. Options; opportunities: There is always more than one alternative, even if closed-minded leaders often don't recognize or consider them! Consider your options, and create and utilize opportunities!

6. Vital, vibrant vision: In order to be relevant, you must have a vital, vibrant vision, that drives both you, as well as those you serves! Seek quality, and being the best!

7. Empathy; energy; excellence; enrich: It must be about those you serve, and not merely about you. Proceed with an emphasis on empathy, use maximum energy, seek excellence and quality, and hope to enrich the experiences of your stakeholders!

You can't be a great leader unless you are relevant. However, no one can hope for excellence or relevance, without doing all he can, to constantly and consistently IMPROVE!

https://ezinearticles.com/?Relevant-Leaders-Must-Always-IMPROVE&id=9316430