A Leader Others Will Follow

Tuesday, 22. July 2008 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

Having read my share of books on leadership, and served as a leader in various settings – I believe there are three distinctives that form the foundation for effective leadership. These traits are:

1) Deep Commitment to the Cause

A review of history shows that successful leaders were deeply passionate about pursuing specific outcomes. They were both focused and passionate. Many people fail as leaders because, for whatever reason, they do not have passion for what they are trying to accomplish in their organization.

In an organization, greatness often rises from the vision, passion and commitment of senior leadership. From this passion, followers derive both enthusiasm and confidence to help attain that vision.

2) Tested Character

A second disctictive of effective leadership is character. Who you are when people are looking – and when no one is looking?

In my opinion, integrity is foremost among the various traits of character. A leader must be trustworthy – they must carefully “walk their talk.” Stephen Covey writes, “The real key to your influence with me is your example, your actual conduct. And your example will flow naturally out of your character.”

All too often, there is a gap between the “talk” and “walk” of a leader. When this occurs, the organization is hamstrung by that hypocrisy. Productivity, innovation and morale all suffer as followers comply with the orders of the leader - but do so with minimal enthusiasm or sacrifice. “The credibility of leadership is what determines whether people will want to give more of their time, talent, energy, experience, intelligence, creativity, and support.” (Kouzes and Posner)

3) Sincere Compassion

Effective leaders lead with compassion – they show a genuine, heart-felt concern for the needs, feelings, and aspirations of those they lead. They care about those they lead as much as they care about the corporate goals.

Many organizations use fear as a motivation. But fear leads to compliance, not commitment. People motivated by fear are rarely committed to the leader’s vision. In their book, Credibility, Kouzes and Posner write, “If leaders appreciate their people and show that they take their interests to heart, their people will in turn trust them as their leader.”

** Our Skills are Necessary… But More Is Needed

Indeed, leadership requires more than the three traits mentioned here. It requires situational knowledge, adaptability, and courage - among other skills. But while these skills are necessary, the traits mentioned above serve as the foundation for lasting and effective leadership.