Leading

I just finished reading the new Gallup book "Strengths-Based Leadership" by Tom Rath & Barry Conchie about four weeks ago. I've had a chance to meet and spend time with both men in New York. Not only was I impressed, I became fans of their insight, wit and ability to say tough things and have people agree and want to change.

In reading the book there are many themes like: How to use strengths in leadership, understand the quadrants of leadership that your strengths fit inside and how to use them more effectively. All of these themes make the book worth reading.

There is one more theme that I found fascinating and impactful in my own leadership style. Gallup asked the question, "What makes a good leader?" They asked thousands of regular everyday people this question without a lot of direction. This is what they found. Four main themes came to the surface.

Followers want this from their leaders:
- Trust
- Stability
- Compassion
- Hope
Take a moment, get a piece of paper, and write these four words down. Read each one and picture the leader, teacher, and person of influence in your life that embodies that trait. I think you may find if the person embodies one trait they may embodie them all.
Now ask yourself, "How did I feel under their leadership?" I found that the people I pictured brought security, energy and vision to their environment. There was a foundation to innovate and grow. Are you finding the same feelings?
Finally, if you are in a leadership position, this can be a given position in a work place or an assumed position based on your natural gifts as a leader. Either way, take the four words and fit them across your own shoulders. Think about yourself and the words Trust, Stability, Compassion and Hope. How do these words fit you?
I would like to believe that these four words could be revolutionary to your style of leadership and how you act. Having these four words and truly understanding what they mean to the people following you is like having a map to the success you desire for your team and yourself.
I would suggest you buy the book and read on.