ASLON Five: Qualities of a Great Leader
When we conduct a search, we finely tune our search strategy to line up with the organization's culture. We look for people who have the potential to assimilate eas- ily and step into a higher role. We believe that attitude, self-motivation, maturity, capacity to learn and behavior patterns are some of the attitudes to watch for when interviewing a candidate, not just their performance, knowledge, training or creden- tials. To recognize world class leaders who differentiate themselves clearly beyond the resume, we look for leaders with the following attributes:
- Bias toward action
Our leaders are "can do" individuals who see a need, develop a plan, and work the plan to completion. They may be considered intense or passionate about their work but they also make time to spend with their families, thereby creating a balance in their lives that they promote in their teams.
- Submit to authority
No matter what level you are in an organization there will always be someone in higher authority than you, even if it is a share holder. Great leaders must be able to submit to authority when an idea or decision is not embraced and then accept the decision wholeheartedly for the good of the organization. This approach pro- duces healthy organizations that can weather a storm such as an economic downturn or the threat of competition by creating a workforce of loyal employ- ees. Organizations that take a genuine interest in their employees' well being will have staff members who stand by the company in rough times and, although decisions may be tough, will understand the long-term vision and strive to ac- complish the results needed to turn them around.
- Window and the Mirror
Great leaders look in the "mirror" when things go wrong. They take the blame, research the problem, learn from mistakes and move on. They don't lay blame or point fingers. On the reverse, when things go well they look outside the "window" to give praise to others and share the glory with the team/organization. They are highly respected individuals who may not be in the spotlight but, when looking over their shoulder, know they are in the lead.
- Sacrifice to a Grand Vision
A great leader surrounds himself with great people and has a vision of where the organization should be and how it can get there. Communication skills and pas- sion must be present to advance this vision. And nothing is more influential than a leader who is committed to make this vision happen.
- Consistency of Character
A key leadership competency of the new global economy is "trust." A great leader's competence naturally earns trust, however, consistent integrity with pure motives develops character that people are inspired by. Nothing has more influence than a relationship of trust and that only happens through consistency of character.
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