I was standing in the kitchen making my third espresso, which happens when I have a lot of time at home! While listening to NPR, an annoying interview was taking place regarding the fiscal cliff. When asked his opinion about the recent remark his fellow Republican had said about deficit spending, I was shocked by the very crude remarks he was publicly making against his party member. I found it annoying on two counts. One, that he could be so abusive publicly and two that he was making sure his colleague understood how important it was to be on message through this type of punishment.
I have to shake my head. We are lacking mindful leadership at the very helm of this country.
It’s no wonder I feel lost when it comes to what leadership means after what happened to me, and when we are spammed daily with professionals exhibiting childlike behavior.
At work, how many times do we question if we are cut from the leadership cloth, only to be reminded more than once in our career that we can do our manager’s job better? But of course we question if there is some other reason we aren’t in that role.
While I’m sure there are some valid, some invalid reasons he (she) is the boss, there are some important and consistent factors which are not far-reaching. Here’s my over-simplified recipe for leadership. Consider this an abstract framework.
1. Confidence – know who you are, and what you are capable of.
2. Believe in your own B.S. (seriously). Whatever business you are in, and whatever your vision, believe you are right. This doesn’t mean you close off other ideas, but it means you have conviction.
3. Timing – I believe that maturity, education, experience and emotional intelligence all work together when the timing is right for you to lead. This is about knowing thyself.
4. Networking – it really is who you know. And then what you know can make or break the deal.
What about you? What would you add to this list?
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