What could anyone write on leadership that hasn’t been written? On a recent search on the website of internet giant Amazon, 16,349 entries appeared for leadership. Books authored by coach legend John Wooden, and leadership mentor Ken Blanchard headed the extensive list. With all the viewpoints, theories and explanations given on leadership which do we rely on? What principles are essential to the successful leader? Who are the leaders of today and tomorrow?
As an instructor and an employee at Campbellsville University-Louisville Education Center one theme is continually threaded throughout the school, the need for true leadership development in today’s business world. As a student of leadership I am amazed at the lack of true leadership that exists today.
Let’s first define “true leadership”. True leadership can be defined in the people which possess the title; Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, George Patton, and Margaret Thatcher. These influential men and women along with others hold principles that remain significant for the structure and success of true leaders.
The principles we will explore are not meant to catapult one to temporary leadership stardom as seen on the highly hyped television show “The Apprentice”. The principles are ones that need to be taught, learned, nurtured and expedited for true success. Author Erma Bombeck wrote, “Know the difference between success and fame. Success is Mother Teresa. Fame is Madonna.”
The first principle is one of vision. We must know where we are going before we can start our journey. A company that is not a visionary is stationary. Answer three questions: What is the purpose and end goal of your company? How is it realized? When will it be accomplished? Always focus on the end result, your grand achievement.
The second key to success is communication. How can you lead if no one understands your plan of success? Not everyone possesses the gift of communication. Communication can be taught and must be exercised within a company. The Rev King announced to the nation his vision, “I have a dream”. Today we see the realization of his vision.
Thirdly we examine ones ability to care for others. A true leader has people skills. They care for others and are not afraid to show their concern. They listen and meet the needs of those around them. A community will give back to a company who gives of itself.
The forth principle is character. General H. Norman Schwarzkopf said, “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without strategy”. Honesty, integrity and humility are the ingredients to a strong leadership character.
The fifth area of leadership is capability. Understand what you are going to achieve. Be educated in the areas in which you are conducting business. Never stop learning. When a leader stops learning they stop leading.
The sixth key to leadership is ability to “be the boss”. One cannot lead if they are not respected. The vision is yours, make it known, put it into action and keep it fueled. Be bold and determined to succeed.
The seventh key to leadership relies in finding one’s strengths. Find the area where you standout and capitalize on those strengths. Surround yourself with others that have strengths in areas where you lack and compliment your leadership. President Ronald Reagan understood his strength in communications and filled his cabinet with leaders in their own fields.
The eighth principle, the most important, one is having a servant’s heart. A leader who is out to dominate may find a fast financial reward, but in terms of true leadership they will fail. As David Brown, CEO of LensCrafters, once said, “I was a classic numbers-only butthead who could do everybody’s job and was proud of telling them that. But now I wanted to serve folks, to help them be the best they could be”. A true leader places themselves last. They never ask someone to do a job they would not do themselves. They place their employees, the ones who brought them to the success they are at, on a pedestal and make it known.
Who are going to be remembered as the true leaders of this generation? Are they within your company or in your family? These seven principles are the core to a true leader and they must be seen, put into effect and taught to the next generation.
James Gribbins
Coordinator of Admissions/Marketing
Campbellsville University, Louisville Education Center.
jagribbins@campbellsville.edu
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