It requires you to be results-oriented, to push, but know when to step back and find a balance, to be a good communicator in both directions, but especially listening. And clearly you need a clear vision of the desired result and technical skills that allow you to help, even though as a coach rather than teacher your skills don’t have to be better than your protégé.
Diversity is helpful, but we need to reverse the current preponderance of command-and-control leaders. If coaching eventually becomes the primary criterion instead of some of the other questionable grounds managers have for ruling people in or out of positions that would be a benefit, too.
The Heart of a Leader – A deep desire to improve the world around them, perhaps at great personal risk or cost
A deep desire for knowledge and truth Leaders are readers. A leader will read a book regularly, before watching TV.
A leader must be willing to listen to others. He or she must have the ability to accept criticism AND to alter their behavior when necessary.
Courage to face them when they look in the mirror A good leader will learn to face his or her demons and to work to get rid of them.
Perseverance – to continuously improve their skills and to go beyond their comfort zone
Commitment to Excellence and a very strong work ethic to improve their leadership skills
Development takes time. It would be nice if there was a leadership pill or magic spell that would automatically make you a great leader. But there isn't.
It will take you a year and a half to two years to be comfortable in your first leadership role. There's a lot to learn and internalize.
It will probably take you ten years to master the basic leadership art. First you will master individual skills. Then you will master the skills that make your team effective and develop your people. Then you will master the skills of developing other leaders.
Diversity is helpful, but we need to reverse the current preponderance of command-and-control leaders. If coaching eventually becomes the primary criterion instead of some of the other questionable grounds managers have for ruling people in or out of positions that would be a benefit, too.
The Heart of a Leader – A deep desire to improve the world around them, perhaps at great personal risk or cost
A deep desire for knowledge and truth Leaders are readers. A leader will read a book regularly, before watching TV.
A leader must be willing to listen to others. He or she must have the ability to accept criticism AND to alter their behavior when necessary.
Courage to face them when they look in the mirror A good leader will learn to face his or her demons and to work to get rid of them.
Perseverance – to continuously improve their skills and to go beyond their comfort zone
Commitment to Excellence and a very strong work ethic to improve their leadership skills
Development takes time. It would be nice if there was a leadership pill or magic spell that would automatically make you a great leader. But there isn't.
It will take you a year and a half to two years to be comfortable in your first leadership role. There's a lot to learn and internalize.
It will probably take you ten years to master the basic leadership art. First you will master individual skills. Then you will master the skills that make your team effective and develop your people. Then you will master the skills of developing other leaders.