A reality of leadership is that some individuals will simply fill some position, others will perform some of the duties and responsibilities, and the STRAIGHT leaders will develop and use all essential skills, gain the knowledge and experience, and be ready, willing and able to perceive and conceive of options and alternatives, have the self-confidence to fully consider and use these skills, to be the type of leader that organizations need, deserve and should want! In my more than four decades of involvement in nearly every aspect of leadership, I have come to firmly believe that, unless/until, groups commit to the entire leadership training process and proceed accordingly, their ability to thrive, endure, and remain relevant and sustainable, it goes down significantly! With that in mind, this article will briefly try to consider, examine, review and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it is important.
one. Important; sure; realistic; responsive/responsive/responsible: While we need a leader with a positive, can-do attitude, they must be balanced with reality and using realistic approaches to achieve goals. What good is it, if an approach is not relevant? Why would someone follow and trust someone they didn’t believe and perceived as trustworthy? The right kind of individual consistently proceeds with responses, responding to priorities, needs, concerns, and perceptions, as well as someone who proceeds, to lead, in a way that clearly demonstrates that he or she is truly responsible. Leader!
two. Integrity; ideas; ideology; imagination: Avoid anyone, who does not clearly demonstrate absolute integrity, and does not simply do something, when it seems convenient, or in their personal/political agenda, and/or, self-interest! One’s ideas must align with the organization’s ideology, but groups are much better served and represented by someone who proceeds, with a relevant and well-developed imagination, rather than just using the same – old – old ways!
3. Generate goodwill; Greater good; growth: Groups will only remain relevant, if they experience significant and consistent growth, to create a greater opportunity for meaningful sustainability! True leaders focus on the greater good, which is only achieved when their actions and words generate good will and bring about a meeting of minds, for the greater good!
Four. Healing; human; helpful; honest/honourable: When one is consistent, honest, and kind, perceived as honorable, etc., the opportunity to be a healing leader increases! The right one shows that he cares and is empathetic by showing that he is helpful and truly human!
5. truth/trust; prompt; time tested: Nothing can replace telling the truth and thus earning the trust of stakeholders! To do so, one’s approach must be both well considered and timely, and clearly based on a time-tested knowledge and understanding of realities.
Do you have what it takes, to be, the STRAIGHT kind of leader? Are you up to the tasks, duties and responsibilities, etc.?
