How To Choose A Leader

In a few short weeks you will again be confronted with the awesome responsibility of heading to your local polling place to cast your ballots for the election of local, state and national offices that require authentic leadership as a prerequisite to the solemn duties of their respective offices.

 

What is your personal and professional responsibility when it comes to choosing a leader?

There are hundreds of characteristics, attributes and qualities that great leaders can embody and exhibit. However, no single leader could ever possess all of these various characteristics.

As you live out your personal and professional life you will be presented with ongoing opportunities to participate in the selection or election process for governmental, business workplace, civic and church leadership.

 Following are some key considerations and questions that you would be wise to weigh carefully as you execute your personal and professional responsibility of selecting future leaders:

Does the individual consistently tell the truth and then conduct themselves in an honest and principled manner? 

Is the individual reliable, faithful and trustworthy? Does he or she actually do what they say they will do?

Does this individual honor their commitments to spouse, family and their organization? 

Is this individual genuine and authentic? Are they the real deal?

Is this individual generous to others, especially those who are in need?

Does this individual communicate and exhibit sound reasoning?

Does this individual exhibit high moral, ethical and spiritual character?

Is this individual fiscally responsible? Is he or she conscientious about paying their financial obligations?

Is this individual a good communicator that respects others while being kind, considerate and gentle? Is he or she a good listener?

Is this individual humble and well grounded? Does he or she treat others with dignity, appreciation and a spirit of service?

Does this individual consistently extend common courtesies to others?

Is this individual careful? Does he or she thoroughly review all of their options and carefully consider the ramifications of his or her decisions?

Does this individual exhibit self-control in his or her habits?

Is this individual prepared to be an appropriate example for others to follow? Does he or she live by these same standards of personal and professional conduct?

Does this individual know how to relax, have fun and make others laugh without having to resort to inappropriate content, coarse jokes, crude language or stories?

Does this individual exhibit patience and life balance? Is he or she even tempered or are they easily irritated?

Is this person a bridge builder and a peacemaker who seeks to forge mutual beneficial long term relationships? Does he or she avoid arguments and pursue constructive ways to resolve differences?

Does this individual bring out the best in others?

Does this individual inspire others to learn more, do more and become more? Does he or she help others to develop their potential?

Does this individual accept full responsibility for their errors and mistakes? Does he or she show remorse, make amends and do all that they can to make the situation right?

Is this individual genuinely modest? Does he or she focus on the accomplishment and achievements of others rather then their own successes?

Does this individual interact and work well with others and exhibit good judgment while executing well thought out decisions that demonstrate wisdom and fairness?

Is the individual fully prepared to stand up for the truth and then follow through by doing the right thing… No matter the personal or professional cost to themselves?

Does the individual share and support your values or position with regard to the matters or issues at hand?

At a personal level you may have other points or perspectives for evaluating or scrutinizing potential leadership. Regardless of how you ultimately make your leadership decision, it remains your personal and professional responsibility to thoroughly evaluate, examine and test leadership candidates. It is extremely important that you observe both their behaviors and body language, as this will provide far greater insight into the candidate than their mere words.

Also, take the time to also thoroughly review all available information including resume, website, social media and public records. In the case of public elections, be sure to review all available campaign materials. 

Lastly, as a leader it is incumbent upon you to continue to apply these characteristics, attributes and qualities to your personal and professional life… And to those whom you lead in all the arenas of your life to do the same.

The Leadership Academy… Changing the way organizations and people work, perform and live.

Copyright © 2012-2014 Developing Forward | Thomas H. Swank, CBC.