The Spirit of Leadership

The Spirit of Leadership

A short story Being a leader
A manager was once told he needed to improve his leadership skills to reach a new position inside the company. He decided to visit some Business Schools to search for the true essence of leadership. But he was not entirely satisfied with the different answers that he had received.

After being so desperate he decided to visit a wise man. But before sharing the answer, that wise man gave him a little task to do: You must find one of your true followers and bring him to me.

The manager kindly asked if such person could be one of his subordinates but the answer was NO! He left the place very depressed feeling much more confused than before: Where can I find my true follower?

He thought that he could not understand the true meaning of being a leader. After many silly ideas and years gone by, the manager decided to visit the wise man bringing with him his young daughter.

The wise man asked him: Why did you bring your daughter? He answered: Well, when I am at home, she always follows me. If I go to the kitchen she goes as well. Wherever I go she is always willing to go. She is my true follower.

Wise man: Why does she follow you? Manager: She follows me Because She loves me. Wise man: Why does she love you? After thinking for a few minutes the manager answered: Because I love her.

After such an answer the wise man told the manager: Now, you know what the True Essence of Leadership is. And now you can go!

Important
When studying the life of many important leaders, we can clearly see that they really loved their followers. And their followers were able to love them, as well. Based on such a story, we have prepared a list of important characteristics of good leaders.

01 Being flexible
There are many changes during our professional career:
Companies and competitors change their strategies. Governments set up new rules and make new regulations on business activities. Financial crisis and natural disasters can stop the flow of raw materials
When changes happen, leaders must adapt and make sure their businesses will survive; while still finding innovative ways to reach their goals.

02. Being able to communicate
Many leaders are fantastic speakers. However, speaking well is not the only skill that makes a leader effective. Leaders who communicate well are those share their thoughts with employees, encourages them to contribute ideas, participate during the communication process, and empowers them to take part in decisions and choices.

03 Courage, Tenacity and Patience
It is important for a Leader:

To have the courage to stand alone, the tenacity to not succumb to pressure, and the patience to keep fighting until he or she wins the day.
Courage
Tenacity
Patience
And sometimes being able to do all three at the same time.

04 Combination of Humility and Presence
Leaders have to be able to talk and listen to their employees on all levels of the company. At the same time, they must have the respect of their employees. This kind of respect is based on being honest, having integrity, being decisive and being tough but fair.

05 Being Responsible
An effective leader always takes responsibility. They do not try to figure out a way to escape any problems, issues or conflicts that his leadership may have created. A good leader faces the issue, assesses the facts and deals with the problems as they come.

Our References
We would like to thank the following writers for their expressive contribution for this presentation:
Anitra Reaves, Organizational Communication Strategist, Multicultural Development, Strategic Advisor http://www.diamondseshatconsult.com/mcod.php Dr. David G. Javitchhttp://www.entrepreneur.com/article/204248 Ron Edmondson http://www.ronedmondson.com/2012/12/10characteristics-of-good-leadership-repost.html Bill Mcbean http://www.fastcompany.com/3004914/5characteristics-great-leaders

Our Business Contacts
Feel free to send us an e-mail. Our Website: www.licoreis.com Our E-mail: licoreis@licoreis.com licoreis@licoreis.com.br
Linkedin: Roberto de Paula Lico Jnior Skype: roberto.lico Twitter: @licoreis

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