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Recently, an audience member approached
me, enthusiastically complimenting the scope, depth and value of my
program. I was thrilled with the public approval. But, before I could
break my arm patting myself on the back, she asked a question worth
considering. "How can you be so certain of the practical benefits of
the lessons and techniques you share?" In other words, how do you know
these things will work?
This woman's question allows me to reveal one of my professional passions.
I consider myself an avid observer of human behavior. In almost every
situation, I find myself constantly watching, wondering and often asking
"why" or "why not"? Over the years, the truths I have discovered have
proven to be invaluable for my own journey.
For instance, I often asked myself, "Why are some individuals successful
leaders, while equally talented folks seem to flounder." In search of
an answer for this question, I watched, considered and queried literally
hundreds of successful leaders. I have concluded that all effective
leaders possess at least three common characteristics. Thus, I have
come to believe that these three elements constitute an equation critical
for leadership success. I refer to them as the "Triangle of Success".
Let's begin with the first element--knowledge. I hope we can agree that
knowledge is a key element in successful undertakings. But, what is
knowledge and is knowledge alone enough? Knowledge is not manifest in
a wall full of diplomas and certificates. It's not accurately measured
by a numeric grade point average or by years of workplace seniority.
True knowledge equals understanding. In the case of leadership, understanding
what our followers both need and expect from us provides practical working
knowledge. Without such an understanding we are doomed to wander aimlessly
from one irrelevant issue or activity to another.
The second element is skill. Is skill more important than knowledge?
I say not more important, rather equally important. Both, knowledge
and skill are critical to personal leadership development. Simply stated,
skill equals application. The ability to apply a concept or idea to
some task serves as an unmistakable leadership advantage. A few specific
skills which can be immensely beneficial in leading followers include
professional courage, decisiveness, patience and the ability to listen
honestly. Each of these skills can be learned. But, each must be applied
for their benefits to be realized.
A question remains. We all know great numbers of people who possess
both knowledge and skills in considerable measure. Why then, are there
still many more followers than leaders? The third element in the "Triangle
of Success" is attitude. Attitude is key. More important than either
of the previous two. Why? Because attitude equals desire. Anyone can
have the knowledge and skill necessary to accomplish great things. But,
if no personal desire exists to drive behavior and performance, the
end result will be unrealized potential. Conversely, we all know individuals
who lack great knowledge and skill, yet their attitude, their desire,
serves them, even drives them, as they methodically overcome the obstacles
before them. For them, desire is the great equalizer.
Our challenge is to consciously ward off feelings of complacency and
over confidence as we develop one or more of the elements above. We
must realize that school is never out for leaders and that desire is
the true breakfast of champions.
Thank you for requesting this article written by Phillip Van Hooser,
CSP.
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