CLEAR-Headed Leadership
One of the greatest obstacles to becoming the most effective, relevant leader, is, the ability to remain calm, and collected, when most others appear overwhelmed, and, often, panic! Robert Frost wrote, If you can keep your head, when those around you are losing their’s, and while, he was obviously lauding, and emphasizing the need, for individuals, to remain level – headed, the actual ability to proceed, in a CLEAR – headed manner, appears to often be, far more challenging, than the poet, indicated. Perhaps in no other activity is this ability, as necessary, as it is, when it comes to effectively leading, and, this article, therefore, will attempt to briefly identify, examine, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, why this is an important, relevant issue.
1. Character; cooperative; clarify; creative: In my, over 4 decades of involvement, in all aspects of leadership, from identify, training, developing, and consulting, to serving in the capacity, of a leader, on several occasions, I have come to believe, while skills might be developed, unless an individual possesses the quality of character, he will never get the desired results! One’s focus must be a cooperative, rather than a polarizing one, and it takes considerable commitment, to take the time, and make the effort, to clarify the best way to proceed, both for one’s constituents, as well as himself! When one begins with the proper mindset and attitude, he must then, proceed, with a creative, often, outside – the – box, approach!
2. Listen; learn; leadership: How can one maintain his focus, if he is unwilling to accept the fact, he does not possess all the answers? Rather, it is incumbent upon anyone, who hopes to be a quality leader, to listen effectively, and learn from every conversation, and experience. This must be the essence of one’s leadership!
3. Empathy; emphasis; energy; enrich: The above – mentioned, approach, must bring forth, the utmost degree of genuine empathy! How someone focuses his emphasis, and places his energy, often, determines, whether one, will truly enrich, the experiences of his stakeholders.
4. Attitude; attention; aptitude; articulate: Maintaining a genuine, positive, can – do, attitude, and paying keen attention, to the needs, goals, priorities and perceptions, of the group and constituents, goes far, in one’s ability to develop, the finest, relevant aptitude. However, in order to sufficiently motivate and inspire others, for the common good, and further involvement/ commitment, it also requires the ability to effectively articulate his message!
5. Relevant; reasoning; rationale; responsive: How can anyone achieve and maintain, the level of clarity, and effectiveness, until/ unless, he proceeds, in a relevant manner! His reasoning must be focused, and his rationale, must emphasize the most responsive strategies and actions!
Organizations benefit when there is CLEAR – headed leadership. Are you the right individual, for this task?
