The Three Pillars of Leadership

​Do you want to be part of a tired and complacent organization that’s just going through the motions? Or, one that strikes a chord? The image and message that an organization conveys is a function of its leaders. So what does it take to be a great leader?

​Over the course of my career I have had the opportunity to be exposed to many different types of leaders, attend multiple leadership seminars, and even had access to an executive coach. My takeaways on what it takes to be a great leader can be summarized under the following three recurring themes.

1. Credibility
Can you be trusted? This is determined by your level of integrity, authenticity and your ability to do the right thing. Loss of credibility is extremely difficult to overcome. Leaders who do the following are considered more trustworthy:

• Do what you say you’ll do.
• Don’t be self-serving.
• Embody the organization’s mission and values.
• Communicate openly.
• Value relationships.
• Be accountable.
• Be consistent.
• Be yourself.

 
2. Competence
Are you qualified? Often taken for granted, the skill sets under this theme are the most difficult to acquire as they relate to intelligence, emotional IQ and experience. Fake it till you make it won’t get you very far. Here are some critical characteristics that will influence your level of competence:

• Possessing a thorough knowledge and expertise of your business and industry.
• Having a clear vision of what the future looks like.
• Avoiding ego-driven decisions.
• Being engaged.
• Remaining calm.
• Being a good listener.
• Taking action.

 
3. Impact
Are you positively impacting others? Great leaders prefer building a longer table, not a taller fence. Caring for other’s wellbeing while remaining 100% committed to a clear common cause will result in a powerful call to action. Here are some attributes of an impactful leader:
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• Be a compelling communicator.
• Have an attitude of service.
• Be generous.
• Be a role model.
• Embrace an environment of well-being.
• Don’t play favorites (foster inclusiveness).
• Celebrate successes.
• Be approachable and encouraging.

 
In a nutshell, human nature is the most important thing to understand. If you are trustworthy, competent and positively impacting others, people will believe in you and follow you.