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1-Page Summary of The 21 Indispensable Qualities Of A Leader
1. “Character: Be a Piece of the Rock”
People are willing to follow people who have integrity. Bill Lear, inventor of the Lear jet, is this kind of a leader. When he discovered a dangerous defect in his jets, he grounded them and fixed the problem even though it was very costly for him. He sacrificed his success for the sake of his integrity. You can build your own character by avoiding arrogance (thinking you’re better than others), loneliness (not reaching out to others), adventure seeking (being reckless) and adultery (cheating on your spouse). If you want to fix these flaws in yourself, face them so that you can correct them.
2. “Charisma: The First Impression Can Seal the Deal”
You do not have to be born with charisma. You can develop it by being a person who embraces life and treats others well. When you expect great things of others, they will usually rise to the challenge. If you inspire people to hope, they will follow you willingly. The secret is to focus on them instead of yourself; then your enemies – conceit, lack of confidence, moodiness, perfectionism and cynicism – cannot undermine your personality.
3. “Commitment: It Separates Doers from Dreamers”
Michelangelo went to Rome to work on the Pope’s tomb. But, the Pope asked him to paint the Sistine Chapel instead. Michelangelo didn’t consider himself a painter and wanted to turn down this request, but he felt duty-bound to honor it because of his respect for the Pope. Once Michelangelo agreed to do this task, he put all his energy into it and created one of history’s most famous masterpieces. It took four years for him to complete it and it impaired his vision permanently in one eye. However, people were so impressed by what he did that they praised him throughout Europe and shaped art history forever more with this masterpiece known as The Sistine Chapel.
Michelangelo didn’t have much choice about doing this task because of who requested it from him; however, once he accepted responsibility for completing such an important project, there was no stopping him until completion. He is remembered today for having completed such an amazing piece despite not being a trained painter or artist in general. His commitment inspired others around him.
4. “Communication: Without It You Travel Alone”
Leaders need to communicate their ideas clearly and succinctly. They should also convey a sense of excitement so that people will follow them. In order to do this, they can keep things simple by focusing on the audience, speaking the truth, and asking for responses or actions. Leaders should try to reach people on an emotional level with simplicity and clarity as guiding principles.
5. “Competence: If You Build It, They Will Come”
The best way to improve your skills is by practicing every day. Make sure that you’re always doing the best job possible and aim for quality in everything that you do. If you want others to adopt your goals, then they have to believe in your abilities and be inspired by them. Figure out ways of improving yourself constantly so that you can perform at a consistently high level.
6. “Courage: One Person with Courage Is a Majority”
Leaders often have to take risks that are greater than the average person. They also have to face their fears, even if it means they’ll make mistakes. People who aren’t leaders worry about small things and don’t do anything with their lives, while those who are leaders worry about big things and try to accomplish great goals. If you’re worrying anyway, why not turn your worries into something positive? Face your fears and build up courage so that you can lead others by example.
