Character – Why is it so Important in Leadership?

Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness

Character: The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual

How often have you been around someone who proclaims that they, themselves carry high levels of integrity or moral character?  I can say that I have often thought that about myself, but then something in life brings back to reality and teaches me humility.  As a leader, how often are you tempted to either ignore character development in yourself, or assume that you have already achieved a proper level of integrity?  It is easy to convince ourselves, and thus try to convince others that we have integrity.  Only through our actions do we show what is really in our heart and mind.  As a leader, are you taking into consideration those who are in your care, when you seek to make the right decision?  Are you making the tough decision when it is uncomfortable, or are you taking the easy way out and not addressing issues?

The way you make decisions and the way conclusions are drawn, reveal opportunities for choices that pursue integrity in all areas of life and thus add to your character development.  When you make decisions based upon integrity, it may bring difficult circumstances around you but in the long run you are showing how well you can be trusted with the lives, careers, and hopes of those for whom you are responsible to lead.  Will you bring order to chaos, remove obstacles so others can succeed, meet others where they are in times of need, shoulder the responsibility of failure, and pass on the praise for success?  When every decision you make is intentional and based upon the desire for integrity, you will show humility and character and others will want to be part of your team.

There is a saying in some business circles, “If you think you are leading and no one is following you, then you are only taking a walk.”  Take the time to think about those around you.  Richard Rierson (http://www.richardrierson.com/), constantly reminds those he coaches that all of us are leaders.  Everyone is a father, mother, uncle, aunt, brother, sister, friend, or coworker.  We all have people in our lives who look to us for leadership and direction…even if we do not realize.  Learn to be intentional, admit weaknesses, help others in your areas of strength, be authentic and vulnerable, and strive to make choices with integrity.

In striving to build your own character, ask yourself, “Do I treat my handshake and spoken promise to have the same value as a signed contract?”  When you say you are going to complete a task, hit a deadline, assist a coworker…do you keep your word?  When no one is looking, are you still trying to do the right thing?  Are you willing to highly esteem those you serve while you are in a leadership role? 

Footnote:

To follow the author on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrthomsen/

Read the author’s blog-site - https://uniq2u.blogspot.com/

For more information on the GSI where Todd is a Sr. Client Success Manager - https://www.getgsi.com/

Effective Communication from Leadership

Communication – What does this word mean?  Merriam-Webster has at least 6 separate, yet related definitions for the word, “Communication”.  For the purpose of this post, here is the definition we will use:

a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior

A leader is expected to communicate clearly, with precision and accuracy, and in a very succinct manner.  He or she also needs to bond with those whom they serve in a very authentic, and vulnerable manner.  This communication is needed to inspire, inform, and connect.  Effective communication is an invaluable tool, but are you being intentional with every communication effort?

Mark Sanborn, in his book, You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader, points out, “Effective leaders know what they want to accomplish with every conversation they have, every email, phone call, or speech.”  We can sometimes believe that if we impress someone with our knowledge, then we will gain respect.  I know that I have fallen into the trap of attempting to be the smartest person in the room.  However, an effective leader should be looking to influence those around them with every communication opportunity.  Before a conversation starts, or an email is composed I should know, “How am I trying to influence my audience and how can I be most effective towards that end?”  As Stephen F. Covey would remind us, “Begin with the end in mind.”

There is so much more to effective communication than I will attempt to cover.  For now, I will leave you with some questions.

1)      In your communications, are you looking to show how smart you are, or seeking to influence others towards their professional and personal growth? 

2)      Do you know your audience, and have you gained an understanding how to best influence them?

3)      Are you communicating from the heart, with an authentic and vulnerable mind-set?

4)      Are you open to authentic feedback in actively listening as part of your communication efforts?

Effective communication is essential for great leadership.  It takes consistent discipline and effort.  Like all other parts of leadership, communication is an art that only gets better with diligent, patient, and persistent practice.

Footnote:

To follow the author on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrthomsen/

For more information on the GSI where Todd is a Sr. Client Success Manager - https://www.getgsi.com/