By Richard Brody
How would it make you feel, if, someone, in a position of leadership, seemed, not to CARE about you, your needs, goals, perceptions, and/ or, priorities, but, rather, focused, predominantly, on his own, personal/ political agenda, and self – interest? If one lacks, this basic, human quality, he should not be, nor does he earn, the right to be considered, a leader! Perhaps, more than anything else, this one factor, often, differentiates between true leaders, and, the rest – of – the – pack! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it’s so essential to effectively, leading.
1. Character; coordinate; creative; capable: Will you exhibit, and demonstrate the quality of character, which might make you, more capable, of becoming a true, effective leader? Will you avoid, simply, pursuing the same – old, same – old, and proceed, with the creativity, to make the needed changes, for the better? How will you coordinate, all activities, plans, etc, so, you provide the needed, and necessary, degree of quality service, your organization and constituents, need, and seek?
2. Attitude; aptitude; attention; articulate; action plan; actions: One must possess a real, positive, can – do, attitude, combined with the commitment to acquire the relevant, skill – set, and aptitude, which will guide the day – to – day, as well as longer – term needs, goals, and priorities! It’s important to pay keen attention to the details, etc, so as to gain an understanding of constituent’s needs, goals, priorities, and perceptions, in alignment with leading, the way! One must be capable of developing a relevant, sustainable, strategic plan, and bring it, to fruition, through the quality of one’s planning! However, merely, planning, is not significant and meaningful, unless/ until, a leader takes actions, in a well – considered, timely manner!
3. Real; relevant; responsive; responsible: One must, keep it, real, and relevant, or it’s impossible to truly, care! Caring leaders are, consistently, responsive, and proceed, with the utmost degree of personal responsibility, etc.
4. Empathy; emphasis; endurance; efforts; excellence: Genuine, necessary empathy, comes from effectively, listening, and learning, from every conversation and experience, and placing their emphasis, on focusing their efforts, where they might do the most good! Since there are always, obstacles, one must possess the degree of endurance, which will produce the highest quality, relevant service and representation, focused on excellence!
Will you CARE, enough, to focus on your constituents, instead of your own interests? Are you, up to the task?
About the author
Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead
