Real Leaders Don't Boss (40 page)

Each of us can become a real leader by observing other (good and bad) leaders, and by reading and studying what works and what does not work with the help of real-life practice and experience. Watch the workings in your own company, turn on the TV or radio, or pick up your handheld and listen to and watch the interactions of others in the news. Study political jockeying in the news. What actions, attitudes, or approaches propel someone ahead or force someone else to concede and why? It's all a valuable study in leadership or lack thereof, and you can learn from it.

Make a list and write down what you consider the most important tenets of your leadership style. Then, make a list of what you regard as others' most remarkable leadership traits. Read both lists and then think about how you do or do not live up to those aspirations. And, yes, don't forget to make a third list of those traits you don't admire but have observed in others in positions of responsibility, so you can avoid those characteristics at all costs. If you come up short in one area, ask yourself what you can do to improve. Continue to add to these lists, as they will help be your guide to developing your leadership skills as one of tomorrow's leaders. Keep in mind, too, the tenents of servant leadership we've talked about throughout this book. A servant leader doesn't think in terms of having subordinates or followers. He or she is a champion for the team and always promotes and helps them. He or she sets the most enviable example and demonstrates by his or her character what serving others really means.

Don't allow obstacles to stand in the way of achievement. Real leaders learn how to overcome obstacles, to grow from the experiences, and to flourish.

Each of us is the CEO of our own life and can achieve great things with the right attitude, approach, and outlook. Steve Jobs, the late, extraordinary, and pioneering co-founder of Apple, once said, “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else life.”
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Leaders cannot go it alone. It takes a troop that understands your vision to help achieve your goals.

Real leaders must inspire those around them to achieve lasting success.

Real leaders adhere 24/7 to all of the Eight Essentials of Effective Leadership, and, to infuse others with the excitement that's required for long-term team success, they pay attention to and recognize employee successes.

Real leaders do not allow their egos to get in the way of the task at hand.

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