"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."  Lao Tzu (Poet of Ancient China)  Many people have their idea of what a leader is and what he does. Ray Kroc was a leader, Hitler was a leader, the Presidents of the United States are leaders. But what really makes a good and effective leader?

Today on the Top 5 at 7:45, I'll highlight traits that, some say, make a great leader. God knows that our world, work places and homes can use them.
  1. Love Your Team - Saint Peter said, "For charity (love) shall cover the multitude of sins" When a leader loves his team, then he will handle them, and look out for them as if they were his own. Even when they fail, he will care about them in the midst of correction.
  2. Give Praise - Too many times "leaders" are so busy micromanaging their team that all they comment on is the negative or correction. Your team needs to know when they have done good as well as where they need to improve. This is so important for building morale and vision in people.
  3. Seldom Use Your Power - Leaders must have power to get the job done, but that doesn't mean they always have to use it to get every job done. You draw more flies with honey, rather than vinegar. Leaders who have "little man syndrome" or have such insecurities about their "position", often have to remind everyone who they are. A good leader doesn't have to flex their "muscle" all the time, but by the way they lead, people will know who they are.
  4. Surround Yourself With Rock Stars - Don't settle for the lowest common denominator just to fill a position. Better to wait and interview a few extra weeks and get the right man for the job. When you surround yourself with rock stars, you make them shine and they make you shine and the job will get done better, faster and more efficiently.
  5. Cast Your Vision -  You must be something before you can do something. People are not mind readers. It's good for a leader to know what their vision is, talk open and often with the staff about your vision. This way you will constantly have that before you and you will see it come to fruition in your staff. When they catch the vision you have and are excited about it, it will be realized much faster.

The Top 5 at 7:45 airs weekdays with me, Gary Freeman and sponsored by First Education Federal Credit Union.

 

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