I’ve been involved in leading people over the last 20 years. In business, in a local Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations and in the church as a volunteer leader and as a staff member. No matter where I was serving, the people I was trying to lead were asking, “why should I follow you?” Most people buy into the leader before the cause or vision. Even if they are bought into the vision, they will be either more or less committed because of the leader. I know that many times in my leadership I did not understand that and blindly charged forward without understanding the importance of building the confidence and trust of those following.
Here are seven qualities that I believe are vital for leaders to build a tribe and make a difference:
- Calling or Passion – A leader that is passionate about what he is doing and feels called to it will attract people. Being passionate about something means you are willing to sacrifice for something. My leader Dwight Mason has said that “if you want people to bleed for something, you need to hemorrhage.” People can tell very quickly if you feel called to what you are doing or if it’s just a job.
- Insight & Wisdom – Leaders that can see the real issues and know the real problems are respected. Insight is developed over time and through evaluated experience. Leaders that understand people and why they do what they do can make better decisions and motivate people more effectively. It takes insight to know how to connect with different types of people. Knowing when to listen and when to talk, when to push and when to back off comes from insight and wisdom and from failing and learning from it.
- Character – It takes character to win and maintain trust. Doing the right thing even when it hurts and is difficult builds respect. Character is often exposed in difficult times and character is developed in those quiet moments when no one will know and you still do it right and make it right. Without character leaders eventually fall. No one is perfect, yet the best leaders know that people are watching them and approach their leadership as a way to positively influence the people around them.
- Charisma – People like leaders that make them feel good about themselves. People will follow you if they like you. Having an approachable demeanor and friendly personality are important. When you walk in the room do you bring energy to that room and do people want to be around you? Sometimes leaders have to work at this if it does not come naturally.
- Competence – You need to know what you are doing and talking about. People can tell quickly if you are just talking and dancing around the issues. Leaders that know what they are doing and that surround themselves with people even smarter than they are excel in leadership. The best leaders are constantly growing and learning and getting better at what they do.
- Communication Skills – You don’t need to be a highly polished speaker, but you do need to be able to effectively communicate the vision and values that you are passionate about. It is also important to be able to communicate in a variety of ways. Both verbal and non-verbal communication is important. The way in which you communicate is important, knowing when to call someone and when to email or when to go see them in person. Also the ability to communicate to a large group, small group or one-on-one is vital for great leaders.
- Courage – Courage is making the tough calls despite the fear. When people know that you are willing to take risks and lead in a bold courageous way they will follow you. It takes courage to lead and move ahead even when not many are choosing to follow. Knowing when to take a stand and fight a battle is an important attribute of a leader. It also takes great courage to humble yourself and serve other people and to be transparent with the people you lead.
Lead On!