Great leaders are visionaries whose intuition helps them to recognize and capitalize on business opportunities in a timely manner. Their success is based on surrounding themselves with “like-minded” professionals who complement them to help reinforce their strengths and eliminate their weaknesses. They build teams consisting of individuals who complement one another in a way that ensures consistent performance in line with corporate goals. Mediocre leaders surround themselves with yes-people who are unable to contribute positively to the bottom line!

The wisdom of effective leaders enables them to appreciate the views of their inner circle and others. In situations where consensus cannot be reached, they have an uncanny ability to cut to the chase and make informed decisions. They foster an environment that encourages the sharing of ideas through brainstorming while realizing that innovation need not be preceded by the existence of committees.

True leaders place a great deal of emphasis on culture and shared values. They realize that business involves human beings and that profitable growth results from fruitful relationships. Formal power is entrusted to them by virtue of their position in the company. Informal power results from their core belief system. They lead by example, thus earning the respect and admiration of their peers and subordinates. As a result, employees are enthusiastic about going beyond the call of duty for “their” leaders.

Great leaders build organizations that are vibrant and performance driven. They structure compensation packages that reward people on the basis of individual as well as team performance. They believe that a base salary pays the bills, whereas variable compensation, including EBITDA-based bonuses, motivate employees to challenge themselves and increase their contribution to the firm consistently.

Leadership traits can create a virtuous cycle for the organization’s stakeholders. Ethical leadership calls for morals, fairness, caring, sharing, no false promises or unreasonable demands on others, a genuine “green” approach, rather than “green washing,” as an exercise in public relations, etc. Is “ethical leadership” an oxymoron?

For free abridged books on leadership, ethics, teamwork, motivation, sexual harassment, etc., write to maxpin1@hotmail.com.

Maxwell Pinto, Business Author
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MaxPinto
http://www.strategicbookpublis.....enium.html

I’ve recently read a very good book on this subject, called “Are leaders born or made? by David Grabovac and he beautifully pointed out examples of good, humble leaders throughout history, as well as some very vital leadership skills that seem to be forgotten in our current society, such as humility.