Leadership Is Not An Event

The past few years, with much help from people like John Maxwell (of whom I am eternally gratefull), leadership has been a focus among organizations.

This has spawned the creation of many leadership events and retreats designed to rally the troops and create more leadership. However, leadership is not an event. I, myself, have conducted many leadership retreats where shirts were printed, books were handed out, nice book bags with logos were given, commitments were made and……nothing happened.

Why not?

Behavior did not change. Everyone became super excited at the event, but no one changed any behavior. Success depends on well planned, consistent behavior.

At least 20% of being a leader requires attributes and skills.

An attribute is defined as: a quality or characteristic inherent in or ascribed to someone or something. In otherwords, it’s something that is part of who you are as a person.

Key attributes for a great leader to possess include:

1. kindness

2. strength

3. discipline

4. focus

5. vision

6. action

7. self-motivation

Things to consider:

1. What are your key attributes and how can you improve them?

2. What do you think the key attributes of a successful leader are?

3. Which ones do you need to acquire or work on?

4. Who have you seen that demonstrates one or several of these attributes?