True Leadership!

· True leaders know who they are. They know their strengths so that they can maximize them, and they know their weaknesses so that they can surround themselves with colleagues that compensate for them.

· True leaders are genuine. They do not use false facades or "poker faces." Instead, they say what they mean and mean what they say.

· True leaders are responsible. They take total responsibility for themselves and for their behavior. They take responsibility for the results and consequences of their behavior.

· True leaders have integrity. They understand that the ONLY viable, marketable quality in today's global economy is CHARACTER. Merriam-Webster defines character as "a composite of good moral qualities typically of moral excellence and firmness blended with resolution, self-discipline, high ethics, force, and judgment." Every society and every culture values these qualities, which are core to a leader's integrity.

· True leaders are caring. They know that their "purpose" as a leader is to SERVE those that they lead. Therefore, they have genuine concern for the people they lead. They never belittle or humiliate others; and they do not discount the opinions of others, even when they disagree with them.

· True leaders have a vision. They translate the here and now, the immediate moment, into their vision of the future. They focus on the big picture and can describe that picture to their colleagues, subordinates, business partners, and customers. They understand the long-term effects of the tasks that need to be completed today, the desired outcomes of those tasks, and how to communicate the immediate needs of the business in terms of their future vision.

· True leaders are open to change. They listen without ego or prejudice; and they know that THEIR idea does not need to be, and may not be, the RIGHT idea. They realize that new ideas and new perceptions are key to progress and improvement.

· True leaders value the contributions of others. Leaders understand the value of teamwork and the synergy created through the combined efforts of several talented individuals. More importantly, true leaders recognize that their contributions may not always be the best contributions!

· True leaders are courageous! They understand that doing the RIGHT thing is oftentimes not the EASY thing. They are prepared to fight for their beliefs. They are not swayed by the judgements and arguments of others, merely to avoid conflict or confrontation; particularly when those judgements or arguments do not serve the greater good. Most importantly, true leaders will do what is right EVEN if it causes personal hardship!

· True leaders create leaders! The best leaders treat each individual as unique. They teach, coach, advise, mentor, and even assist people who need it. They understand that the more they facilitate the improvement and advancement of others, the more they are fulfilled themselves and the better they and their business become.