Extraordinary Leadership

Looking around the world, past and present, we see individuals in our personal and business lives that stand out in their ability to enlist the aid and support of others to get things done. What is it about these extraordinary leaders that inspire others to do extraordinary things, to take risks, to do things they didn’t think possible, give wholehearted allegiance and walk through hell and high water for a problematic cause?

Mel Zeigler says, “An extraordinary leader discovers the hidden chasm between where things are and where things would be better and strings up a makeshift bridge to attempt the crossing.

From the other side, they guide those who dare to cross this rickety traverse until the engineers can build a sturdier span for all.”

In the sections that follow, we explore multiple aspects of leadership and give ideas to help you lead people in your life and organization to accomplish great things.

Extraordinary Leader Behaviors and Traits

What sets leaders apart from others is what they do and how it impacts those around them. Leaders show by example how to get things done, inspiring others to get on board and be in the game. The following traits and behaviors characterize effective leaders:

• Feedback – Gives praise and criticism when needed in a manner that does not cause defensiveness or leave someone feeling
• Problem Solver – Focuses on creative problem solving, not placing blame or attacking people. Adapts to change and often ambiguous circumstances. Thinks strategically, making the right decisions under pressure. Overcomes obstacles.
• Involvement – Involves others in things that impact them, encouraging dialog, ideas, and
• Integrity– Honest. Does what he/she says and acts in ways consistent with their values and
• Visionary – Has a clear purpose and direction for self and team, creating a picture and vision others believe in. Always looking for ideas that move the organization to reach the company’s vision, purpose, and established strategy.
• Courageous – Demonstrates the courage to do what is right, despite personal risk or discomfort. Takes a stand for critical issues. Willingly speaks out expressing ideas and opinions, even when unpopular. Challenges others to make tough choices. Holds firm to position when necessary.
• Risk-Taker – Takes the necessary risks to do things differently. Encourages others to take appropriate risks. Willing to challenge the way it has always been done. They do not follow the same path, trying new ways of doing things. Understands and appreciates mistakes and creates opportunities for
• Persevere– Strong, positive attitude in self and team. Knows success will happen. Puts forth extra effort to make things happen and achieve
• Coach – Uses a coaching approach that allows employees to discern and solve their problems, rather than directing them to the solution. Accurately identifies and communicates strengths and developmental needs in others.
• Delegates – Assigns projects and responsibilities, without detailing exact steps on how to get there. Delegates to match interest and ability. Allows others to own delegated projects and holds them
• Motivating– Generates excitement and enthusiasm. Inspires to excel. It creates a positive, upbeat environment. Wins support from others. Creates work situations and an environment that motivates teams to be active and efficient. It creates an environment that brings out the best and inspires individuals in the group to do the same. Motivates and excites individuals to do what is required for the benefit of all. Does not carry others to the result, but sets the surrounding for developing qualities in them, so they carry each
• Performance – Obtains commitment, clarifies expectations, requires results, and follows through on performance
• Team Building– Influential in directing others towards the best outcome for the group, developing a cohesive and cooperative workgroup. Builds trust and cooperation in others by trusting them, resolving conflicts, encouraging open communication, conveying confidence, and hope by words and
• Passionate – Is passionate and enthusiastic in conveying ideas and persuading others to get on board. Possesses energy that ignites others. Gets ideas heard and accepted. Shares real feelings and
• Self-Confident – Projects confidence and energy in body language, voice tone, and words used to communicate with others. Realistic confidence in his or her judgment, ability, and power. Believes he or she has the power to make a difference and accepts the responsibility of doing
• Selfless – Shares in and celebrates the success of the team without looking for personal credit or recognition. Focused on logical results for the overall good, not selfish desires or need for control. Acts for the greater
• Collaborative – Seeks input and perspectives from others, through individual and group discussions. Gives teams and individuals a voice and input in
• Situational – Ability to adjust leadership style depending on the circumstances. More authoritative during crises. Democratic in situations warranting consensus building.
• Supportive– Shows concern for employees and others providing tools, resources, and support to help get things done.
• Decisive– Ability to gather facts and make quick, quality decisions with
• Accountable – Accepts responsibility for own actions and results of the team. Holds self and others accountable, never wavering or justifying subpar
• Listens – Listens to others, giving them full

Asks questions to understand and obtains all relevant facts. Open to suggestions and feedback from employees and others.

• Straight-Talker – Open, direct, and persuasive with communication and interpersonal skills. No
• Respectful – Respects others, build people up, accepts differences, and values diversity. Never “backbites” or downgrades
• Initiative– Takes initiative to act on opportunities, sets things up, volunteers take action, and gets things

Management vs. Leadership

According to Warren Bennis and Dan Goldsmith, “A good manager does things right. A leader does the right things.”

An effective manager should possess leadership skills, and an effective leader should demonstrate management skills. Leadership involves power by influence, while management involves power by position.

Paul Birch drew 12 distinctions between leaders and managers:  

• Managers administer; leaders
• Managers ask how and when; leaders ask what and
• Managers focus on systems; leaders focus on
• Managers do things right; leaders do the right
• Managers maintain; leaders
• Managers rely on control; leaders inspire
• Managers have a short-term perspective; leaders have a long-term

Roadblocks to Leadership

The following are some areas in our lives that prevent us from being effective leaders: Wanting to be liked, having to be perfect, fear of embarrassment, focusing on problems, low self-esteem, being too critical, being too controlling, fear of taking risks, trying to save everyone, fear of rejection, being close-minded, lacking in purpose and unwillingness to work hard.

Acknowledging roadblocks is the first step to moving past them. Identify specific benefits to you, your company, and those in your circle of influence, when you overcome your roadblocks to leadership. Set specific goals and actions that help eliminate your roadblocks to leadership.

Perhaps Ralph Waldo Emerson brings it all together for us in his definition of success, “To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whereby a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded!”

Leadership does not only manifest itself as purely a business phenomenon. We can all think of inspiring leaders we’ve encountered: a politician, an officer in the armed forces, a scout or guide leader, a teacher, a parent, etc. Companies, government, schools, communities, and homes need real leaders to stand up for the right things, to take responsibility, and inspire others to do extraordinary things.

Author: Ken Spencer

Sources:

1. Bennis, Warren, and Dan Goldsmith. Learning to Lead. Massachusetts: Perseus Book,
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership
3. Rapport Leadership International – Roadblocks, 800-989-8227
4. Mel Zeigler quote
5. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote