Real Leaders Don't Boss (32 page)

What are some of the ways in which an organization can improve the performance level of its line employees?

Think about your performance at work. Are you working to your full potential? If not, why not, and what would it take from your company or its leadership to maximize your performance level?

Real leadership is learned. Among the qualities that real and aspiring leaders must nurture and develop are:

Humility.

Quiet self-confidence (rather than boastfulness).

Preparedness for most any situation that comes up.

Physical, mental, and moral toughness.

Commitment to the team as opposed to personal gain.

Belief in the greater good and causes above self, along with a willingness to sacrifice personal gains for a greater cause.

The best position for a real leader—the role that has the greatest chance of success—is as the facilitator—a trainer, teacher, and supporter who guides others and then moves aside.

Adversity is a great motivator and teacher. Some of the greatest business leaders are people who faced adversity, failed, and then emerged stronger, wiser, and with more passion and determination to succeed.

Leadership learning should happen at all levels of a corporation, because companies and their executives must develop an organizational culture that builds future leaders from the ground up.

Real leaders develop a deep and wide pool of future leaders in their organization.

Business should take a lesson from the U.S. Marines in how to build a leadership training program. The Marines teach junior officers to be strategic thinkers, to develop and execute complex plans, to supervise and motivate enlisted personnel, to be accountable for expensive equipment, and to be calm under intense pressure. Learning by doing also is a critical aspect of training, as are regular counseling,
critiquing, challenging, and correcting of junior officers' performance by senior leaders.