9 Common Traits of History's Most Effective Leaders

There are 9 common traits of history's most effective leaders. This according to Charles A. Tribbett III, Andrea Redmond, and Bruce Kasanoff, authors of the 2004 book, Business Evolves, Leadership Endures.

I think it is worth reviewing their observations in 2010 and I certainly recommend reading what they have written. As we are called on to provide effective leadership, each one of these traits is worth striving for.

1.    The Commitment Not to Lead a Little Life: If there is one trait that leaders share throughout history, it is the unshakeable commitment to live a life that matters.

2.    Vision: To lead others, leaders must have a destination in mind and be absolutely commited to making a vision come true.

3.    Voice: Armed with commitment and vision, leaders need a voice – a manner of communicating that others not only hear but also wish to follow.

4.    Heart: Leaders with heart are capable of inspiring others through example, whether this takes the form of incredible work ethic or a contagious passion.

5.    Team Building: To leave a lasting legacy many leaders build organizations that are not dependent on one person, but are self-sustaining entities in which people and processes work toward common goals.

6.    Backbone: There are times when mere talent and insight are not enough, and leaders have to summon unimaginable strength and internal fortitude to persist in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

7.    Listening: Real listening empowers leaders as it conveys the information needed to make wise decisions.

8.    Emotional Intelligence: By understanding and managing not only one’s own emotions, but also those of other people, leaders earn deserved respect, trust and confidence.

9.    Diversity: History, business and nature teach us that the surest way to survive – and thrive- over the long run is to foster diversity of thought, behavior and approach. Tomorrow’s leaders must master diversity.

Like me, you probably don't feel like you are the epitome of all nine of these characteristics. But, along with many other traits that the leaders you respect show, these nine can challenge us to reach up and forward to be the best that we can be.

Leadership and Priorities

Exceptional leaders understand the difference between results and priorities.

Results are what happens. Priorities are those few things that will make the biggest difference. Results may or may not achieve priorities. Getting results drives activity. Achieving priorities drives effectiveness. Getting results may or may not satisfy. Achieving priorities always satisfies.

Results are meant to achieve priorities just as activity is meant to achieve results. Activity, results, priorities.

The primary focus of poor time management techniques is solely on results. The primary focus of good self-management techniques is on priorities. Good time management is always preceded by great self-management. Managing your time to achieve the best results will come when you understand what priorities those results are meant to achieve.

If you are to be an effective leader, you must understand those few things that are most important for you or your organization to achieve. There are probably two or three things which will make the biggest difference to advancing your purposes ... just a few simple things, maybe one thing.

This handful of priorities are the touchstone of all other activity. They determine what activity should or should not be allocated time and resources. Activity and the results it produces should further these priorities. If the results do not further the priorities, adjustments need to be made. Change the activity and thereby change the results. Precious and limited time is allocated to achieve results. Make sure those results are furthering the priorities.

Leadership starts with understanding the priorities.