Remarkable Leaders Are Alike in One Powerful Way
Remarkable leaders share one common characteristic. They are NOT like each other.
Pick any four remarkable leaders from U.S. history – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin for example. They are remarkably different from each other.
10 common characteristics of most remarkable leaders:
There is no single template for remarkable leaders. But many share common characteristics.
Remarkable leaders…
- Find strength in supportive relationships.
- Try new things.
- Notice how experiences influence who they are becoming.
- Integrate their past into the present.
- Feel secure enough to be changed by feedback.
- Live by their personal values.
- Make reliable assessments of circumstances without drama.
- Believe they have value.
- Seek to have positive impact.
- Face their frailties and strengths honestly.
There are remarkable exceptions to the above list. My experience shows that some leaders live with deep insecurities. See #8 above. Some overestimate themselves (which isn’t all bad). See #10 above.
Application:
Remarkable leaders don’t fit a mold. Why are you trying to be like someone else?
Adopt best practices but don’t lose yourself in the process. Your fussiness might make you a remarkable leader. The secret is to believe in something to fight for.
Warning: Authenticity is no excuse to flaunt weakness, reject feedback, or be a jerk.
What are you willing to fight for?
What makes you different?
7 Steps Toward Authenticity – Leadership Freak
The Secret to Developing Authentic Leaders on Your Team is One Thing – Leadership Freak
I love these 3…and I have reordered them in a way that resonates with me…
Try new things, Face their frailties and strengths honestly, Find strength in supportive relationships. Try, reflect and find support. Rinse and repeat!
At times I feel our societal and workplace’s hard lean into “authentic” has corrupted the idea that was originally mean to be. I firmly believe you can be yourself and accept the requirement of pushing beyond your tendencies when required. Hard and bold lines are rarely a part of leadership or employment. Because I full agree with you…Authenticity is no excuse to flaunt weakness, reject feedback, or be a jerk.”
Love the three you pulled out and reordered. In recent years, find strength In supportive relationships is changing my life.
I would add that remarkable leaders are willing to give others credit.
Wonderful add, Sam. Thank you.