Friday, September 20, 2013

Straightforward #9

Leadership Trait #9
September 12, 2013

We continue our ten-part series on Leadership Characteristics based on a Harvey McKay weekly blog.

The research for these ten words came from a four-year series of executive seminars conducted by Santa Clara University and the Tom Peters Group/Learning systems.  This list first appeared in Management Review Magazine).  These thoughts are my own creation.

Leadership Trait #9
Straightforward

To talk about a straightforward leader, we have to break down this word into two words – “straight” and “forward”.

“Straight” implies:
  Directly
    Without delay
      Immediately
        At once
          Instantly
            Right away
              Straight away

Can you name a few leaders from your past that have shown these characteristics?  I surely can. 

Some leaders pride themselves on delay tactics.  How long can we put off spending, investing, paying our debt, and the list goes on. 

I think this list also gives us a glimpse of a leader of integrity.  When leadership is needed, this kind of leader responds in a timely manner.  He or she is considered a “straight shooter.”


Our second word – “Forward”, implies motion. 
  Onward
    Ahead
      Frontward
        To the fore
          Advance
            Promote
              Further
                Accelerate

Every one of these synonyms is an action word.  They picture a leader who is in charge, and leading the charge.  He/she is taking the battle to the enemy, or facing and tackling the obstacles in the way. 

Sort of sounds like the kind of leader I would enjoy serving with.

You too?

I think this quote caps our thoughts today.

“Iron rusts from disuse;
water loses its purity
from stagnation;
even so does inaction
sap the vigor of the mind.”
~Leonardo da Vinci

Do you lead?  After weighing all of the sides, action is called for.  Don’t rot on the vine.  Don’t go stagnant. 

DO!

P Michael Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time


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