Character – Why is it so Important in Leadership?

Originally Published June 22, 2018

Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness

Character: The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual

How often have you been around someone who proclaims that they, themselves carry high levels of integrity or moral character? I can say that I have often thought that about myself, but then something in life brings back to reality and teaches me humility. As a leader, how often are you tempted to either ignore character development in yourself, or assume that you have already achieved a proper level of integrity? It is easy to convince ourselves, and thus try to convince others that we have integrity. Only through our actions do we show what is really in our heart and mind. As a leader, are you taking into consideration those who are in your care, when you seek to make the right decision? Are you making the tough decision when it is uncomfortable, or are you taking the easy way out and not addressing issues?

The way you make decisions and the way conclusions are drawn, reveal opportunities for choices that pursue integrity in all areas of life and thus add to your character development. When you make decisions based upon integrity, it may bring difficult circumstances around you but in the long run you are showing how well you can be trusted with the lives, careers, and hopes of those for whom you are responsible to lead. Will you bring order to chaos, remove obstacles so others can succeed, meet others where they are in times of need, shoulder the responsibility of failure, and pass on the praise for success? When every decision you make is intentional and based upon the desire for integrity, you will show humility and character and others will want to be part of your team.

There is a saying in some business circles, “If you think you are leading and no one is following you, then you are only taking a walk.” Take the time to think about those around you. Richard Rierson (http://www.richardrierson.com/), constantly reminds those he coaches that all of us are leaders. Everyone is a father, mother, uncle, aunt, brother, sister, friend, or coworker. We all have people in our lives who look to us for leadership and direction…even if we do not realize. Learn to be intentional, admit weaknesses, help others in your areas of strength, be authentic and vulnerable, and strive to make choices with integrity.

In striving to build your own character, ask yourself, “Do I treat my handshake and spoken promise to have the same value as a signed contract?” When you say you are going to complete a task, hit a deadline, assist a coworker…do you keep your word? When no one is looking, are you still trying to do the right thing? Are you willing to highly esteem those you serve while you are in a leadership role?

Footnote:

To follow the author on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrthomsen/

For more information on the GSI where Todd is a Sr. Client Success Manager - https://www.getgsi.com/

Charismatic Leader – Can I be one? Do I want to be one?

Originally Published July 1, 2018

Charisma: Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others

When we think about a charismatic leader, what comes to mind?  Is it this “larger than life” figure with the perfectly kempt hair, well pressed suit, charming smile, and booming voice?  Is charisma based upon how you make a first impression?  I would like to suggest, a leader who is truly charismatic is something a little different than what we may think.

The word “charisma” finds its root in the ancient Greek word “kharis” which means grace, favor.  As a leader, we should show grace and/or favor towards others, in all facets of our lives.  Are others seeing this grace and favor? 

Here are some thoughts on how all of us can be charismatic leaders:

• Love life!  Be someone who maintains a genuine, upbeat attitude.  Do not be fake.  People will see right through a façade.

• Expect the best of others.  Do not confuse this with placing unrealistic expectations and/or timelines on others.  This really means that your disposition is that you believe those around you are looking out for the best interests of the company, organization, or group.

• Give others a reason to hope.  Hope is the greatest of all possessions.  If someone has hope, they can surprise you with better than expected results.

• Share of yourself.  Open up about who you are.  Share stories of growth and struggles.  Celebrate your victories with others.

• Place the concerns of others above your own.  Another way to think of this is to treat others the way you would want to be treated, even when you are not being treated the way you want.  Many of us learned this as a preschooler, and it still applies today.

Dale Carnegie wrote in, How to Win Friends and Influence People, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

As a leader, are you willing to change your focus so that others are a higher priority?  Can you seek to give a great first impression by showing that you love life and want others to join in that joy?  Are you willing to share of yourself?  If so, you can be a charismatic leader without having a “larger than life” persona.  Being charismatic is more about being an authentic, joyful, and caring for other than it is about anything else.

Footnote:

To follow the author on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrthomsen/

For more information on the GSI where Todd is a Sr. Client Success Manager - https://www.getgsi.com/

Are You a Committed Leader?

Originally Published July 7, 2018

Commitment: The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.

“Be Like Mike”.  Do you remember those commercials from the 1990s?  Many in the NBA have come and gone since the days of Michael Jordan, who was arguably the best basketball play in the history of the game.  What did it take for Michael Jordan to be on top, to be the idle of anyone who played basketball?  It was far more than talent alone.  It was an all-consuming commitment to every aspect and every detail of the game.

Another “Mike” who had a complete commitment to his craft was Michelangelo.  He was an amazing and gifted sculptor, who was summoned to Rome by Pope Julius II with the purpose of sculpting a glorious papal tomb.  Upon arriving in Rome, he was asked to paint the image of the 12 Disciples on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.  When all was completed, Michelangelo had spent 4 years creating one of the most influential works of art the history of Western Civilization.  This one piece of art took 4 years of grueling work while lying on his back.

I am not suggesting that this is the level of commitment that every leader should possess.  Ask yourself, how well you are living out your commitment to those you lead.  The committed artist is patient and gives great attention to detail, the athlete masters basics in their sport and never backs down from competition, the soldier risks life and limb for those they love.  A leader needs to be willing to commit to all of these and more, as others are depending upon you.

David McNally (https://www.davidmcnally.com/) tells his readers, “Commitment is the enemy of resistance, for it is the serious promise to press-on, to get up, no matter how many times you get knocked down.”.  Stephen Pressfield (https://stevenpressfield.com/) in the War of Art, walks his reader through all the tools that “resistance” puts in our way as we pursue greatness, and how to overcome resistance.

I need to ask myself, “How committed am I to leading those for whom I am responsible?”  Here are some ideas to help in considering one’s level of commitment:

• Look at your calendar and ask, “How much time am I spending in service to others, focusing on family, staying healthy (mentally and physically), honing your craft, and learning new things?

• Consider what there is in your life that you would not be able to stop doing, no matter what the consequences?

• Make a public proclamation, declaring what you are committed to complete, and see how that will make you more likely to follow through.

As a final thought, Arthur Gordon proclaimed, “Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them, day after day. What you promise today must be renewed and redecided tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you. (http://www.azquotes.com/quote/1263020)” As a leader, do not seek perfection, seek excellence…seek to keep your word…seek to mean what you say and say what you mean…do what you said you would do.

 Footnote:

To follow the author on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrthomsen/

For more information on the GSI where Todd is a Sr. Client Success Manager - https://www.getgsi.com/