Are you the type of leader that others will want to follow? How will you know? What can you do to become one or to continue being that kind of leader?
Great leaders set the example for others to follow. Their character stands strong and is not blown in different directions, regardless of good times or bad. They are aware of their strengths and where they need to improve. They know themselves. And, in the process, they create a living legacy.
I was recently thinking about how leaders can know the answers to the questions above. Living in Denver, I remembered reading an article in the Denver Post written by a mom of two little boys. The article http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_25077270/dear-mr-manning was written after the devastating loss to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
She wrote the following about Peyton Manning: “You hand down an example of work ethic, of courage to come back after a career threatening injury, of humility in victory and graciousness in defeat, and of perspective on one’s accomplishments. That legacy matters, and that’s why yours is untarnished, even – and especially – after last Sunday’s Super Bowl loss.”
Isn’t it amazing how in one paragraph she captures Manning’s humble perspective on his accomplishments and the character traits that make those around him want to follow him into battle? He is a leader others want to follow, and you can be too.
So how can you know? It’s starts with awareness. Some people are aware and can figure it out on their own; some awareness can come from trusted peers, friends and coaches. And some awareness can come from a revolutionary assessment tool we created called TalMetrics http://www.glsworld.com/talmetrics that can provide insights to help you become the kind of leader that others will want to follow.
Know yourself, and then become the best you can be. Don’t settle for second best. Be a great coach and mentor to your people who put it on the line for you everyday. And create a living legacy that makes those around you come to work each day exhilarated to be there. There are plenty of examples to follow – become that example for others.
