The SME space has been crying out for strong leaders for a long time ... we want to hear the 'latest' insights from 'the gurus' ... and we'll flood large venues to hear 'names', from both here and overseas talk about the keys to business success. But all they do is give us more information about what we 'should' do ... helicopter leadership - fly-in, drop their 'stuff' and leave.
What if the leaders we are looking for are amongst us? What if they're not the media personalities, the Harvard Professors, the published authors? Maybe they're in your network, calling you to action, insisting on results and showing you how to move forward.
The leaders we're really asking for aren't giving us more information ... they're providing insights. They don't take excuses for answers, don't let you off the hook, they don't 'settle' for mediocrity and are single-mindedly focussed on results.
What do you think?
Who do you look to as a leader? Can you be led? What would you like from your leaders?
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I am blessed to have many leaders/mentors in my life from many different walks of life. A true master is someone who always has a beginners mind: be open to always learn & grow.
I look for leaders/mentors who have the following traits:
1. Authenticity
2. Integrity
3. Philanthropic
4. Give & receive
So glad you posted this, Cat. I love the term you used 'strong' leaders'.
That's what I want - *strong* leadership. Leadership with diamond focus, clear boundaries, fearless vision, compelling mandate and a servant's heart. We can't be all things to all people. It's just exhausting and unsustainable. I'm actively seeking out strong leaders who have the humility and the courage to help others succeed.
Leaders like YOU, Cat!
Best, Robin :)
Hi Cat,
Interesting blog post. I was just watching a YouTube clip of Tony Robbins at TED today that someone posted on Facebook and while there's no doubt that he is a guru, entertaining and knows his stuff, as a small business owner, I actually get a lot more value from some of my mentors, community and networks like #sharewords and #centurions.
I like my leaders to be:
1. Knowledgeable
2. Authentic
3. Genuinely happy to share
4. Reliable
5. Challenging
Sound familiar Robin and Cat?
Great post - thanks
Suellen
Hi all,
I find this post beautifully succinct. Leaders like yourselves are powerful and can motivate us business owners to move ahead with more focus. However, first, to be a leader in whatever field we are gifted in, we have to find our own intrinsic interest, a passion which will sustain us for the years of effort it requires to establish a strong business. Thankfully I now have even more interest and belief in the field I chose to have a business in than when I started, which gets me through the hard times. Without that inner determination to share what I have to give others, I could have given up a long time ago.
Leaders can lead by example. They don't have to have a tribe. Often those who have led imperfect lives can help others who have had a rough time. I think leaders come in many forms. The beauty of social media is the transparency and ease of finding those who inspire us to keep going on the path we have chosen.
Thanks for leading this discussion Cat.
Frances
Francie, I really like your perspective that Leaders don't always have to have a tribe ... they can be leaders just through their 'being-ness' - and being a stand for what they believe in (note that being a stand is quite distinct from 'taking a stand' ... )
The commonalities amongst all comments about what we want in our leaders is illuminating ... and confirms my long-held suspicion that we actually want leaders to 'lead' (confront, challenge, push, stretch) us ... not just 'wow' us.
I love in particularLee's comment about wanting leaders who give AND receive ... reciprocity and exchange is such an important part of human relationships ... if a leader can't 'receive' from their community, the community itself starts to feel disconnected, undervalued and out-exchange. We don't like 'free-loading', and we don't like feeling that we can't give back (in some way) to the people who give so much to us. This is a key issue when it comes to leadership in large organisations and of course politics ... but in the small business sector it's essential that we all remember to allow others 'in'.
:-)
Cat
"sparking your peak business performance"
You're welcome Cat! I love articles that spark questions and reflection and this did just that for me.
"give and receive" - yes I am a huge supporter and believer of the Cycle of Reciprocity as taught so amusingly by Shawne Duperon of ShawneTV.com
As a Leader, I always gave, gave, gave... yet in some instances did not allows others to give back, and in most instances no one would give back. This has taught me to surround myself with Leaders who live by this. I now have a huge network of every day Leaders who support each other, whether or not we buy their product or service, we know that we will give & receive because we Know, Like & Trust each other...
I am an imperfect woman who is learning to perfectly manage my imperfections, I agree with Francie - it is not about your status, your title any more it's about Real, Raw & Relevant - people want to authentically connect with others.
On a side note... that you are in Sydney, Aus... I am in Calgary right now (my hometown) and I am heading home home (Sydney, Aus) to visit family and welcome my new niece into the world - hmmm synchronicity!!!
BTW Suellen when I clink on your Twitter link on your website it takes me to omar andres guillen.....
Cat... when I click on others links it goes on your page, you should be able to change your comments/website trackbacks to Open in New Window.. that way your website is always running.
Have a wonderful day, I know you are all mid afternoon and it's Friday, it's 12.50am Thursday night here...
Have a wonderful day!
Lee
One other thing... my website is in transition right now so it doesn't have all the content in.
www.facebook.com/simpleeserene1
www.twitter.com/simplee_serene
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQ
I want to share this wonderful video that explains GREAT LEADERSHIP....enjoy this video - it worked for me.
Apology to all if you have seen this - but I LOVE it...you will too!
BTW - Social Media Crash Course was awesome..
Be well
Greg
I recently changed my Twitter username to my real name @Suellen_Hughes and someone (Omar Andres Guillen) has taken @transforme which is annoying because:
1. I didn't think Twitter allowed that - assumed @transforme was still linked to me
2. I need to change every link on my website, blogs, etc, - which I needed to do anyway
Apologies that you've linked to random Omar. I've followed you and would be delighted to connect with you @Suellen_Hughes - sorry for confusion.
Interesting lesson for me on Twitter use :-S
WOW what a beautiful picture! No worries, isn't that funny I already followed you back...
It's pretty easy to unfollow - took two seconds, no prob at all... What an absolutely pain for you though!
I learn lessons on Twitter & Facebook every single day... I'm going to send you a tweet right now!
Have a fantastic day.
;o)
Information from 'gurus' only shows you how to take aim -
For a leader to have any real impact/input on how you actually do, they need to be right behind you waiting and watching for the follow through ~
Its the follow through that'll win the shot and ultimately the game :)