Great leaders truly make a difference. Great leaders inspire hope. Great leaders help others believe more is possible. But how?
They rock our complacency, tickle our fancy, awaken our desires, and help us dust off our dreams and renew our faith in tomorrow.
How do they do it?
How do they challenge our complacency and awaken this hope? All the great leaders I know have these characteristics in common:
- They speak from the heart
Put a well-written speech into the hands of a leader who doesn't believe the message, and the words are shallow. Great leaders dig deep and know themselves. They know their message. When they speak, you don't get 'the party line'. You hear their voice - and it rings true.
- They build on the past
The next time you listen to a great leader, notice how often they refer to history. Great leaders recognise the events leading up to the present moment. And they do so, not to suggest, "We've always done it this way" but rather to clarify, "This is how we got to where we are now".
History grounds us in the events of the past and gives us our bearings. Whether these events are good or bad, shared history is a solid launching pad for moving into the future.
- They make us squirm
Rather than dodge the issues, great leaders pin-point the challenges ahead and name them. They help us see the depth of the issues we are facing and recognise what's at stake. They make us squirm as we feel the urgent need for change.
- They affirm what's right
Great leaders tap into our noble selves. They call us to higher ground with phrases like, "We're better than this!" and "We're wired for greatness". They call forth our desire for all that is good and right and noble. They invite us to embrace a world beyond ourselves and reach out and care for others.
- They ask us to choose
Great leaders challenge us to make the right choice rather than the easy choice. They remind us of our responsibility with phrases like, "The choice is yours", and "Only you can decide". They always leave the decision in our hands and remind us of our responsibility to make our choices wisely.
At their core, great leaders believe that WE are great.