Eight Words That Define a Great Leader

Recently, I was working with a client on recruiting superstars. You might ask how, and under what circumstances, were we hiring only superstars?

Well, I've said it before, I don't believe in settling for the "tallest pygmy". Those two words were used by a former mentor a long time ago when he thought we were "settling" for an average person instead of a great one.

My current client, when we were looking for that terrific hire, said he wanted a leader; managers work on tasks, leaders focus on people. Hmmm, nice observation. He likes to ask of the applicant, give me eight words that define a great leader? Think about it; excellent request.

We then exchanged each of our lists. His were: motivation, confidence, vision, experience, character, optimism, energy, and empowerment. Mine were: integrity, empathy, passion, courage, energy, resiliency, listening, and vision.

Isn't it interesting that only 3 of ours were the same? They were vision, character/integrity, and energy. After some discussion, we decided that it was not only OK for each of our lists to be different, it was appropriate. Why? Well, we are all made differently; no two of us are alike. Accordingly, we have varying strengths and weaknesses. It would make sense that we would value traits that helped us be all that we could be, given the "hand" that we're dealt.

Certainly there are absolutes, but we tend to value more that which is relatively weaker in us, and similarly think less of that which is strong. I believe that makes sense. The challenge for each of us is to know ourselves, understand what is required of us by our organizations and people, and then set goals to achieve it.

What are your 8 words? Why did you choose them? Are you there yet; will you ever be? If you wish, post your comments accordingly.