Last week I started a series of blogs around the “Pyramid of Success” given to us from legendary basketball coach John Wooden. That first blog dealt with the foundational qualities, that lowest level, depicted in his leadership pyramid. You can read that post by clicking here.
This week I want to share the next level of qualities, built upon the first five, that make a strong person and leader. Those next four leadership qualities are:
6. Self-Control – “Control of your organization begins with control of yourself. Be disciplined.” Discipline is one thing that is missing in today’s world. There is really only one person who can make you disciplined – YOU! Your ability to control and manage yourself is tough, but in the end can be very rewarding. Learning how to say ‘no’ is a self-learned trait.
7. Alertness – “Constantly be aware and observing. Always seek to improve yourself and the team.” Be ware of your circumstances and change them as needed. Many find themselves today unemployed or underemployed because they did not see and also react the signs around them. They did not react to the writing that was all over the wall. A lack of alertness has caused many to miss their boat.
8. Initiative – “Make a decision! Failure to act is often the biggest failure of all.” – So many are afraid of making the wrong decision that they make no decision or only decide after the time is past being ripe. Learn to act on the best and most information you have to take advantage of the moment.
9. Intentness – “Stay the course. When thwarted try again; harder; smarter. Persevere relentlessly.” So many people quit. Why? What is gained from quitting? Finances, career, relationships – many find it easier to quit than to stay in the battle all the way to victory. Many never come to realize that victory may be the next thing thing experience. If they had only hung in there a little while longer…..
Leadership is so much more than a title.