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Is Leadership Timeless?
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The short answer is yes and no. Without a doubt, some leadership qualities and behaviors never go out of style. Even 1,000 years ago, effective leaders had to bring integrity, courage, strategic thinking skills, and good judgment to the table. These are timeless skills that will always be part of leadership.
That being said, leaders also have to adapt with the times. Consider the story this weekend of Barack Obama texting his VP choice to his campaign supporters. This is a great example of a leader leveraging new technology to communicate to his followers in a way that meets them “where they live” – it also serves to make them feel valued and part of something special. With one simple decision, Obama created a media buzz about his “hipness” while deepening the support and passion of his followers. Who wouldn’t want to go the extra mile for a leader that includes them on the big news before it is made public?
As leaders, we need to balance foundational competencies like honesty, compassion and optimism with a fresh approach to gathering input, listening, and empowering our teams. Know who you’re leading – and what matters to them. Try to look at your leadership from their point of view, then make the necessary adjustments. Yes, a great deal of the skills required to lead effectively are indeed timeless. But don’t be afraid to learn a few new tricks and adapt your style to stay current and relevant.
For more info: contact Steve Arneson at steve@arnesonleadership.com or visit www.arnesonleadership.com
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