The "Inside Track" of Leadership

What all great leaders have in common.

Warren Bennis in a highly regarded study established 4 traits common to great leaders. These were:

1. They all had a compelling vision for themselves and their organizations
2. They would communicate the meaning or significance of the vision frequently and passionately
3. They were trusted by others. They were consistent in word and deed and were men and women of clear and strong values.
4. Lastly they had considerable insight into themselves. This often went beyond simply knowing their own strengths and weaknesses but that they engaged in a journey of self discovery.

This reminded me that surely this applies to all of as we travel this journey of life, as we meet life’s challenges and endeavour to leave this place better for our participation.

So, we should consider:

• What is our vision for ourselves? This need not be some grand statement, but a simple, uplifting and guiding reminder that we can and should make a difference, now.
• Importantly, do we refer to it frequently, do we remind ourselves that there are some activities worthy of our full and undivided attention. What Eckhart Tolle calls meeting events being fully present.
• Can others trust us to do what we say we will do? Are our values strong and clear and do we stick to them no matter how difficult the challenge facing us appears to be?
• How meaningful is our intent to simply be ourselves?. To be present, to be conscious, to be awake.

 It all boils down to living each moment in the present and being guided by our inner voice. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote “When I’ve been most effective, I’ve listened to that inner voice. To go with that is the purest, truest thing we have”