Principles of Effective Leadership #1

We all influence at least 250 people in our lifetime.
Therefore, we each have the responsibility of leadership.

from Power to Change.com 4/13 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4.biz

“If women would realize what an influence they have, they would be filled with pride. If men recognized how influential women are, they would be feel threatened or scared to death.”

Your Influence. Every man or woman can be a leader. Many men are assertive or down-right aggressive. Yet results of surveys show that most women greatly under-estimate their influence. At home it can be organizing our children to clean the house or, more important, instilling values & morals into their lives. At the workplace, it can be motivating people for sales. We influence others by what we say and do–and by how we do our work.

Mother Teresa was one of the great religious & humanitarian leaders of all time. When we aspire to be leaders, we must learn to discern between fame & greatness. Fame is Madonna; greatness is Mother Teresa. There is a tremendous shortage of, and need for, truly great leaders – leaders who are trustworthy, ethical, good, honest and who have high personal standards. The world is looking for honest and upright leaders.

Thankfully there are more Women in Leadership now than in the past and when I first began taking on leadership responsibilities. Being in leadership roles for more than thirty (30) years–with greater & lesser responsibilities, I have learned a great deal about good leadership.

What is a Leader? “A leader is a person who influences people to accomplish a purpose.” How do you become a leader? “A leader correctly assesses a situation and knows the best next step to take.” Whether you know it or not, whether you believe it or not, you’re a leader–an influencer. Your opinions are listened to and acted upon. The following nine principles will help you make the most of your influence:

1. Have a Dream that will leave this world a better place.
Helen Keller said: “Is there anything worse then being blind? Yes! The most pathetic person in the whole world is someone who has sight, but has no Vision !!!” Leadership is simply the ability to turn a Dream or a Vision of a desired future state into a reality – with & through – the cooperation of other people. To throw your life into something worthwhile, your dream must be worth working hard at. What do you get excited about? Have a BIG Vision; something beyond your capabilities to keep you challenged. If we have aimed our efforts for the pleasures of this moment only (ie, the accumulation of material things),–we will soon become dissatisfied & disillusioned with life. Former British Prime Minster Margaret Thatcher said, “There is little hope for democracy if the hearts of men & women cannot be touched by a call to something greater than themselves.” Have a Dream & Vision that is greater then yourself–one that will leave this world a better place.
[ #2-9 Continued in Premium Content ]