Four…

The four attributes you want in a leader are simple, not easy. Research cataloged in The Leadership Challenge, by Kouznes and Posner shows them as follows:

Honest

Forward Looking

Competent

Inspiring

Seems we assess someone’s leadership worth rather quickly. The first question we ask ourselves is are they honest. Can we trust them at their word. High bar, huh leader. Speak truth. Aim at truth in love.

Second, does she have a vision? Once we establish trust we want direction. Damn. This is why the “O” to your OPUS must be big and for something beyond yourself. Dream big, as Goethe shared long ago, for small dreams have no power to move humankind. Do you have a crazy big dream for you and your team in 2024? Do they believe it?

Next, we ask ourselves this doozy. Is the leader competent enough to dream and do. In other words, can they take us to the promised land. We want leaders who are strategic and know how to execute accordingly. Do you?

Lastly we look to our left and right. We do not want to be the lone sucker following another con artist. We find comfort in numbers (not always a good thing, either). The last attribute we demand to see is inspiration. Here’s my “and,” friends. You don’t have to be charismatic, life of the party, or even a great public speaker to inspire. You. Do. Not.

You must be honest, forward looking, and competent. Damn.

Live hard. Love harder…