This is part one of a five part series on Formal Leadership. Each concept works alone however; fits nicely with the other articles. Please contact us if you miss an article.
A Concept Of Leadership
Throughout the years, volumes have been written which list and elaborate upon the characteristics of leaders. You need only 
check the literature on the subject to discover that there are as many characteristics, and combinations of characteristics, as there are leaders. With all their differences however, leaders do have some fundamental similarities.
- Successful leaders have mastered the art of self-leadership and authenticity. Authenticity implies genuineness, reliability, and trustworthiness.
- Successful leaders have taken the time to crystallize a personal vision of the future, which will become the foundation or cornerstone for a shared vision. They are able to attract as well as inspire commitment among the people whose collective effort will make this vision a reality.
- Successful leaders understand how to align and maximize resources to realize the vision. The leader's role is to create alignment between vision, strategy, structure, processes, and people with focus on attracting and maintaining a loyal customer base.
As a leader, you must be many things to many people. First, you must have the capacity to create a compelling vision. If your vision is to excite people, it must take them to new levels of achievement. Then, you must be able to develop and implement the strategies that will guide people toward the vision, analyze the alternatives and possibilities, and set goals that will drive the organization to sustained success. To do this will require that you are able to function successfully in several areas:
- A Visionary
- A Coach (part two)
- A Mentor (part three)
- A Director (part four)
The Leader As Visionary
Leaders who are able to involve people in realizing a compelling vision provide a beacon for the future and a standard of excellence. Vision plays and important role in developing a winning organization. A compelling vision can motivate and empower everyone in an organization to seek higher levels of performance and achievement. People want to do a good job because realizing the vision is important to them. A compelling vision is inspiring. It is energizing. It provides an image of a better future that causes people to drive themselves to higher levels of achievement.
In the final analysis, you can't really force people to be motivated. You can only create an environment in which people are motivated. A vision will release creative energies to successfully attain the desired results. It provides a reason for change and exploring possibly uncharted waters with enthusiasm. It gives meaning to work. It encourages innovation. Individuals recognize the importance of their personal contribution to the overall whole. Vision helps everyone realize that their best interests are served by the success of the entire organization.
The key to realizing a vision is strategizing and planning. Your written strategic plan should be communicated throughout the organization to develop buy-in and ownership. You must clearly define your key business indicators, those few vital goals that you want your organization to achieve. These will provide the focus and direction.
What do you want to accomplish? Are key goals clear to everyone in the organization? Have they been translated into specific action steps that people can (and know how to) accomplish? Does Senior Management "walk the talk?" Are vision, values, goals, and actions consistent? It begins at the top. People must know by your actions, as well as your words, how committed you are to the values, vision, and goals of the organization. You must set the example and the standards, and communicate your vision to others. Walking the talk must be much more than a trite cliché. It must be one of your core values.
Our next newsletter will discuss the Leader As Coach. (part two)
The last article in this series will be the concept of Authority and Power of the leader.
If you have any questions about an article, or you have missed any of the articles call us today.
Adapted from Leadership Development, Resource Associates Corporation. All rights reserved worldwide. This material shall not be copied by any means without the express written consent of Resource Associates Corporation.
business-is an elusive thing called good morale. Just what is good morale? It usually refers to how your employees feel about their jobs, you and your business. And that can directly affect your bottom line. 
