by James Canada
We may think entrepreneurship is miles apart from the corporate world, yet success in both arenas heavily depends on great leadership. As business owners, we rely on our leadership skills for developing productive relationships with our team, our vendors and our clients.
While working for large corporations, I was exposed to a variety of leadership attributes exhibited by good and not-so-good role models. I developed an understanding of and appreciation for the complexity of leadership. The following is the list of qualities I have come to recognize as ideal for leaders everywhere:
1. Courageous. Be the champion of your convictions with all of your energy.
2. Big thinker. Be curious about what could be and be eager to challenge tradition.
3. Change master. Accept and welcome change as the opportunity for a beneficial move.
4. Persistent and realistic. Be realistic in goal setting and patiently persistent in overcoming obstacles.
5. Humorous. Keep things in perspective; be spontaneous in lightening the load for all.
6. Risk taker. Be willing to fail in order to succeed; be always learning, not necessarily always winning; being overcautious robs opportunity and success.
7. Positive and hopeful. Trust yourself and others; see good and hope where others do not.
8. Accepting and powerful. Take responsibility and serve by helping others achieve.
9. Committed. Stay in the game long after others give up.
Both in the corporate world and now, as an entrepreneur and business owner, my mantra for leadership continues to be “Do the right thing.” It’s just that simple. When our actions show evidence of leadership qualities, we inspire others to do the right thing — and we don’t become that business owner who is only out to make a dollar.
James H. Canada is managing partner/CEO for Alliance Technologies LLC and author of “Corporate to Entrepreneur: Strategies for Success.” Contact Jim at james.canada@alliancetechnologiesllc.com, 636-734-2337 or www.alliancetechnologiesllc.com.
Submitted 6 years 151 days ago