Leadership Attributes — Leading by Example, Involvement, Learning from Failure, Transparency, Flexibility, Resilience, Accountability, Positive Attitude
Leading by Example
Leading by Example
Leadership is modeling and setting the example for others — in word and action.
Lead Rather Than Drive
Effective leaders lead rather than drive people.
Fair and Firm
Fair and Firm Decisions
They make fair and firm decisions that are in the best interest of:
- Good order
- Discipline
- Successful accomplishment of the mission
No One Expects Perfect
No Perfect Standard
While no one expects a leader to be perfect, a leader cannot demand the best from others if he or she cannot demonstrate that they are willing and able to do the same.
Reinforce Credibility
Reinforce Credibility
Through positive behavior, leaders live by their values and become good role models. They reinforce their credibility when they do not dwell on the personal effort they have put forth.
Involvement
Involvement Reflects
A leader's success is reflected in the:
- Efficiency
- Productivity
- Morale
- Enthusiasm demonstrated by the followers
Maximizing Performance
Maximizing Performance
A leader's involvement is essential to maximizing worker performance and success of the mission.
Active Involvement
Active Involvement
Leaders become a positive influence when they are actively involved in their Airmen's careers and lives.
Learning from Failure
Learning from Failure
Leadership is about risks and rewards, and effective leaders realize that failure is one of the greatest learning tools an organization has for achieving success.
Risk and Faults
Risk and Faults
With every risk there is the potential for failure; however, these are the moments which shed light on the faults within an organization.
Empowering Change
Empowering Change
Effective leaders realize that learning from failure:
- Empowers change
- Inspires efforts to improve
Never Fear Failure
Never Fear Failure
Therefore, leaders never fear failure.
Transparency
Transparency Definition
Direction, decisions, and actions are rarely challenged if the leader's intentions are transparent.
How to Achieve Transparency
Transparency Methods
Transparency is accomplished by integrating:
- Regular communication
- Shared decision-making
- Mutual consensus
- Healthy debate
Airmen Should Know
Airmen Should Know
Airmen should know:
- The reason decisions are made
- How decisions will impact them and the organization
Flexibility
Flexibility Definition
Leaders who are flexible:
- Listen to other points of view
- Bend when necessary
- Are NOT afraid to change course if things are not going well
Flexibility Value
Flexibility Value
Flexibility is an especially valued leadership trait during times of change.
Resilience
Resilience Definition
Leaders at every level within an organization constantly face:
- Challenges
- Changes
- Criticisms
Compassion + Grit
Compassion + Grit
Resilient leaders must possess a combination of compassion and grit to persevere during times of:
- Uncertainty
- Deviation
- Turmoil
- Conflict
Accountability
Accountability Definition
Promoting accountability in the workplace includes:
- Establishing clear roles and responsibilities
- Cultivating a sense of pride and ownership among the members within the organization
- Providing regular feedback to subordinates
- Leading with integrity
- Setting a positive example
Not About Punishment
Accountability Not Punishment
Accountability does NOT focus on the discipline and punishment associated with being unaccountable; but rather, concentrates on creating and sustaining a continuously learning and always improving organization.
Positive Attitude
Positive Attitude
Leaders must demonstrate the attitude they want emulated by their followers.
Positive Enthusiasm
Positive Enthusiasm
Positive enthusiasm is contagious and can deliver energy to all aspects of organizational operations.
Encouragement
Encouragement = Powerful
Encouraging Airmen, as well as oneself, is a powerful motivator.
Constant Embrace
Constant Embrace
Effective leaders constantly embrace positive goals and display a positive attitude.