Good leadership is

Have you ever been fortunate enough to collaborate with truly inspiring leaders? If so, you've likely observed certain traits that consistently ignite inspiration and encourage individuals to unleash their full potential. 

While it may be tempting for some to simply issue orders, wield authority through fear, and adopt a bossy demeanour, exceptional leaders stand out. They exude a positive energy that sparks the best in others. 

Leading by example, expressing gratitude for their teams, and avoiding a sense of superiority are all hallmarks of their leadership style.

Becoming an outstanding leader is a journey that requires dedication; it's not an instantaneous transformation. 

Expect challenging days and moments of self-doubt along the way. However, be gentle with yourself—these are natural aspects of the leadership development process. 

Maintain your optimism, cling to your faith, and persist in your leadership journey. Remember, every small improvement brings you closer to evolving into a truly inspirational leader. 

Unleash your leadership potential, inspire others, and lead by example on your path to greatness. Exceptional leaders often embody, traits that consistently spark inspiration and cultivate an environment of encouragement Inspirational leaders possess a clear vision of the future. They communicate this vision to their team, painting a vivid picture of what success looks like. This clarity provides direction and purpose, inspiring others to align their efforts toward a common goal.

 Authentic leaders are genuine and true to themselves. They don't put on a facade or adopt a persona; instead, they lead with honesty and transparency. This authenticity fosters trust among team members, creating a positive and open work culture. 

Understanding and resonating with the emotions of others is a hallmark of great leaders. They show empathy, actively listen, and consider the perspectives and feelings of their team members. This emotional intelligence enables them to connect on a deeper level, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. 

Leaders face challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties. Inspirational leaders demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity. They persevere through tough times, maintaining a positive attitude and motivating their team to overcome obstacles with determination. The ability to convey ideas clearly and compellingly is crucial. Inspirational leaders are adept communicators, ensuring that their messages are not only understood but also resonate with their audience. 

They listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and encourage open dialogue. Lead by Example: Actions speak louder than words. 

Exceptional leaders embody the values and work ethic they expect from their team. By setting a high standard through their own behaviour, they inspire others to follow suit.

Acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of team members is a fundamental trait. Inspirational leaders take the time to recognize individual and collective achievements, fostering a positive and motivating work environment. 

The business landscape is dynamic, and inspirational leaders are adaptable. They embrace change, encourage innovation, and are willing to adjust their strategies in response to evolving circumstances. 

Great leaders are invested in the development of their team members. They provide opportunities for learning and growth, empowering individuals to expand their skills and reach their full potential. 

Inspirational leaders do not let their positions of authority inflate their egos. They approach their role with humility, acknowledging their own mistakes and learning from them. This humility fosters a collaborative and supportive team dynamic. 

By embodying these traits, leaders not only inspire but also create an atmosphere that encourages individuals to unleash their creativity, dedication, and passion, ultimately contributing to a thriving and motivated team.

Leadership

As some of you may know, my grandson is an elite athlete, and no I have no claim on ability, that belongs to his Dad and his Mom. He is still young not yet 14 but he by default a leader. I believe that elite athletes no matter what age can provide leadership to younger athletes in areas within and beyond their sport. Elite athletes like my grandson, often possess unique characteristics and skills that can be applied to various aspects of life beyond their athletic pursuits.

At this stage of his journey, my grandson is still learning about some of the areas where he can provide leadership. In some areas, he is learning himself being taught by his coaches, but I hope he continues with his apparent willingness to share with his friends and younger athletes who look up to him. Here are some areas that he is learning about and that he could share with others. When I was young, I was a good athlete, not an elite one, and I wish I would have had a mentor to help me learn the skills to take me to the next level.

Elite athletes often have a demanding schedule that requires them to manage their time effectively. As my grandson learns from his coaches he can share strategies for balancing his athletic career with other responsibilities such as education.

Discipline is a crucial characteristic that is required for success in any field. Elite athletes can share their experiences and the discipline required to maintain a rigorous training schedule and make sacrifices to achieve their goals. 

Teamwork is a vital skill in sports, and elite athletes can share their experiences of working as part of a team and the importance of supporting teammates. 

Elite athletes often face mental challenges such as pressure, stress, and setbacks. As he learns about how to face these challenges he can share strategies for developing mental toughness and overcoming obstacles.

Elite athletes can provide guidance on proper nutrition and fitness routines to younger athletes, which are crucial for optimal athletic performance. This is a tough one for a teenager and one my grandson will need help from his family and coaches.

Elite athletes can help younger athletes set realistic and achievable goals and provide guidance on how to work towards those goals.

Overall, elite athletes are leaders and have valuable knowledge and experiences that can benefit younger athletes, and I hope my grandson rises to the level of leadership that his skill demands. 

Apathy vis Compacency

My friend is frustrated, with what he sees as a senior population that is turning apathetic. He sites low voter turnout in the last Municipal election. (The reality is that the voter turnout for the past 5 years in BC is within 2 points of 50% above in some years, and below in others. This year was no different.) He cited low vaccination rates for COVID boosters. (Yet according to Statista, as of October 9, 2022, roughly 83 percent of the population of Canada had received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose of those around 80 percent were fully vaccinated.) This statistic illustrates the percentage of the Canadian population with at least one dose, partial, or full vaccination against COVID-19 as of October 9, 2022. So, our vaccination rate is not low as he thought. He was concerned that people were not getting their flu vaccination. But at the time of his concern, the flu vaccine was just starting to be given to people. I think my friend was frustrated because people are becoming complacent about issues that he feels passionate about and that he with which he takes a leadership role.

Apathy. Complacency. These two words frustrate leaders when working with people. With these two realities, it feels that those we lead are either going through the motions or settling for a low bar. The lacklustre actions that embody a culture where people seem to lack passion or drive feel overwhelming to many leaders.

Apathy is a complete lack of emotion or motivation about a person, activity, or object; depression; lack of interest or enthusiasm; disinterest. Whereas complacency is a feeling of contented self-satisfaction, especially when unaware of upcoming trouble and lack of conviction to strive for anything

As a leader, my friend must see beyond the apathy or complacency of those who he hopes to motivate to action. He has to look within and draw from his successes, not his failures. Many of those who are in leadership positions when they are feeling frustrated focus on the negatives, not the positives. For example, instead of being concerned that only 70% of people did not vote, we should celebrate the 30% who did vote and work with them to see how we can get them to motivate others. Life is too short to dwell on the negative, focus on the positive and move on.