I have been an observer of leadership for many years. During this time, I have seen leaders come and I have seen leaders go. Throughout it all, it became clear to me that, given the right environment and attitude, anyone can become a leader. Leadership is not something that only a select few have the smarts, the fortitude, or the genetic code to possess. I have seen—time and time again—examples of regular people who, when confronted with a challenge, took charge of the situation and became extraordinary leaders. Leadership is within each one of us, we just have to find it.
What I have discovered is that there are four keys that form the core values of leadership. These keys apply no matter the size of the organization, its reason for being, or its location. They are:
Energizing leadership. Leaders who are excited about their work and who inspire their associates with words and deeds are practicing energizing leadership.
Empowering leadership. Leaders who give their associates the authority to make their own decisions, and then step back and stay out of the way are demonstrating empowering leadership.
Encouraging leadership. Leaders who support, coach, and gently prod their associates to take on new challenges and to attain new heights of performance are using the skills of encouraging leadership.
Enlightening leadership. Leaders who communicate with their associates and teach them new skills and techniques are practicing enlightening leadership.
Master these keys to leadership, and you too will become a real leader -- one who inspires people to give their best every day of the week.
