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10 Leadership Lessons From The World's Greatest Leaders
By Laurence Winmill
Since the beginning of mankind every one of us needs and benefits from leadership, whether it's religious, social, family, educational, governing, professional or business. The fact is that without leadership there is simply no direction or path for us to follow.
Typically when you mention the word leader, historical names spring to mind. Political or Governing leaders include Winston Churchill, George Washington, Adolf Hitler, Julius Caesar, William Wallace, Lenin, Mandela, Gandhi, Thatcher, Kennedy, the list goes on.
All of these names have left their mark in history - they have inspired millions to follow their example, in some cases with magnificent results and in others quite catastrophic.
But what all leaders seem to have in common is summed up in a quote by Vance Packard (The Hidden Persuaders) - "Leadership appears to be the art of getting others to want to do something you are convinced should be done".
You see whether we talk about Jack Welch and General Electric, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela or whoever, there are a number of key leadership strategies or principles that you can take on board and implement to benefit your own organization:
1. Become a great communicator - you may have a great idea but unless you can convince the masses your unlikely to succeed.
2. Understand and learn about the people your leading - Differentiate between Delegation, Coaching, Directing and Supporting people within your organization. You must identify who falls into which category.
3. Be prepared for Criticism - but stick with your core values and beliefs.
4. Stay Focused - Do what you do best - Focus your energies on your core business.
5. Become an Expert in your field - Learn to do what you currently do even better - Own your niche.
6. Cut Cost and waste - eliminate unnecessary waste and your profit margins will improve.
7. Focus on Time Management - Spend your time working on those projects or initiative that yield the highest return.
8. Embrace change - don't fear it.
9. Become a leader, act like a leader - source new ideas encourage innovation and make sure it spreads throughout the organization.
10. Earn respect and give respect to everyone who shares your vision and values.
(c) Laurence Winmill. All Rights Reserved. |
