Coming back from the comprehensive and interactive training program that was part of the NACE Leadership Summit, here are some pointers that NACE presented to develop its long-term goals and enhance the skills of its chapter leaders.
Most of us strive to be the very best in our field of expertise. Some aspire to lead the pack. There is a distinct difference between managing to get tasks completed and having a strong vision and commitment to making it happen; that is the essence of true leadership.
Here are the characteristics of a great leader:
Working harder at earning respect of the team than being liked by the team
Doesn’t play favorites amongst the team
Constantly sells a vision
Focused, great listener
Attacks pending challenges immediately
Promotes a spirit of learning and growth
Praises in public and criticizes in private
Celebrates and gives credit for teams successes
Takes responsibility for teams failures
Properly delegate tasks
Important points to consider:
Everyone should have a passion for the vision you are building and selling because the key factor is “everyone sells” not just your sales manager.
Not only should you have passion for what you do, you should also instill passion in your staff.
The biggest quality for being a leader is trust. Not the trust that you have in your staff, but can your staff and your clients trust you?
Are you authentic, are you credible, can you lead with a purpose?
Do you generate great energy not just in yourself but also those around you?
When you inspire as a leader you will have a staff which will be ALL IN. There is no half in as a member of a team. if you are half in you need to be All Out and find something else. Now, go lead with a clear vision, purpose, trust and integrity.
