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Abc's of Leaders
Author: Christina Parker  | Posted: 09-05-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 9 | Rating: (154)  (?) 
 I have had the pleasure of meeting many entrepreneurs and leaders. We are definitely a lively and colorful bunch! I have started to see a lot of common traits shared among them. I found a common trait for each letter of the alphabet, well ok, maybe I stretched the “x”. Enjoy!
A is for attitude, and having a good one makes you a magnet for top talent in good times and bad. So much of success in business comes down to a great concept and even better execution. Inevitably there are bumps in the road, so keeping a positive outlook can really inspire others to stay with you through the ups and downs of the journey. An entrepreneur never lets their dreams or vision die. Be bold, take a stance and stick to it, whether the position is popular or not. Oftentimes we see opportunities where others don't, so a little brashness may be required.
The best entrepreneurs I know are courteous, charming & candid, a great combination indeed. They're also determined to turn their ideas into reality and they will not stop until they get what they want.
Everyone talks about the importance of time management skills, but managing your energy is critical as well. Most entrepreneurs I know are energetic to a fault, which is a great quality because it'll take every bit you have some days just to get through. Staying focused on the important things, not the small stuff, is critical so that you don't get derailed or distracted along the way. Being gregarious and generous will help you make friends before you need them, which can never hurt, and will certainly pay dividends down the road. Never underestimate the power of good deeds and small gestures; others will love you for them and remember them when you least expect it.
Having a great sense of humor and being able to laugh at yourself as needed will get you through many a late night. A funny joke or happy comment can go a long way in the trenches. Innovation is the key to creativity and growth today, and it will inspire thinking big and broad so others want to join your cause. The ability to juggle many tasks simultaneously without dropping any balls along the way is a great quality and comes in handy often. Every entrepreneur has had a few kooky ideas that just might work, so give them a shot, you never know. Sometimes it's those crazy ones along the way that make all the difference.
The best entrepreneurs lead others to a place where they had no idea they even wanted to go. They mentor others along the way, sharing their experience and stories. Creating a new path can be daunting, so it's important to encourage promising ideas; that's where the magic happens and they can learn as much as they give. When entrepreneurship comes naturally as part of your DNA, you've chosen the right career. Entrepreneurs are born more than made I think, and the best ones can't imagine doing anything else. Authenticity always rules.
The ability to be optimistic yet realistic is an important trait. It helps you think of creative ways to solve problems that pop up along the way so that you keep trying to find possible answers and exploring ideas. Striking the right balance of being pleasantly persistent as needed is tough to master. Success is about the follow-up and follow-through, not just the great idea. Successful entrepreneurs always question the status quo, and they never get complacent. They also ask a lot of questions to uncover opportunities and issues that exist.
In today's world you have to be remarkable in some way so you stand out from the pack. Blending into the wallpaper will get you nowhere. Be known for doing something better than anyone else out there. Successful entrepreneurs are strategic yet opportunistic so they can take advantage of the right offers along the way. By having a roadmap, you're able to take detours, and sometimes you end up getting to a better place than you ever imagined. But you need a plan so that you can recognize which paths are worth pursuing as you go. There are no shortcuts to paying your dues, so entrepreneurs must be technically competent and have their homework done along the way.
Great entrepreneurs are unflappable with thick skin, and don't take it personally when things don't go their way. They know that's part of the experience and what makes it exciting. Entrepreneurs create value and are incredibly valuable to their most important customers. They wow them at every opportunity they get so they're remembered. The best entrepreneurs create x-traodinary x-periences every time (ok I cheated here). It's really the experience more than the actual product or service that's important, and it's what brings customers back for more of what you're selling. They're young at heart, and never lose their sense of curiosity and wonder. Their eyes still sparkle when they get excited by a great idea. And finally, entrepreneurs are zealous about life; after all, if you're not having fun, why bother?
Having a great attitude, being bold, candid, determined, energetic, focused and gregarious are great attributes to help you succeed at your business. Having humor, embracing innovation, and juggling kooky ideas while you lead and mentor others naturally with an optimistic attitude is critical to being a leader with a balanced life. That work-life balance is the ever elusive search for that middle ground where we will be pleasantly busy and challenged and yet able to enjoy life as it comes. It is a constant work in progress and I find that there is not just one way of achieving it. What three things can you do in order to achieve more balance for the next 30 days?
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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/leadership-articles/abcs-of-leaders-409043.html
About the Author:As Senior Vice President of a national “Top 500 Company” ~Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Founder and CEO of a leading professional development organization, and an owner of a thriving franchise business, Christina Parker firmly believes that the key to success in business and in life is the conscious development of, and investment in others. She calls this the “Good, Better, Best” approach to leadership. She has made it her mission to equip individuals and organizations with the tools needed to move well beyond “good,” or “better,” and to experience the fulfillment and rewards that come with being the “BEST!” She is a member of Vistage (CEO Leadership group), and the National Speakers Association, founder of http://www.theleadershipmovement.com , founder of http://www.fhfproject.com and a certified franchise executive. You can contact her at http://www.christinaparker.org.
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