Character Traits of Extraordinary Leaders

When people make a decision (either consciously or unconsciously) to followyour leadership, they do it primarily because of one of two things: YourCharacter or your Skills. They want to know if you are the kind of personthey want to follow and if you have the skills to take them further. Yes,there are other variables but these are the bulk of the matter. This week wefocus on the kind of character that causes people to follow your leadership.

1. Integrity. Integrity is that you do what you say you will. You are trustworthy. People can rely on you. You keep your promises. The one thing thatwill most keep people from following you is if they can't know for sure ifyou will actually take them where you say you will. Are you known as aperson of integrity? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

2. Optimistic. People don't want to follow others who think the future isbad! They want to follow those who can see the future and let them know thatthere is a better place and that they can get them there! Do you see the cupas half empty? Then you are a pessimist. Do you see it as half full? Thenyou are an optimist. Do you see it as totally full - half air and halfwater? Then you are a Super Optimist! Are you known as an optimist? If so,you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

3. Embraces Change. Leaders are the ones who will see the need for changeand willingly embrace it. Followers will at first desire to stay where theyare. Leaders need to see the benefits of change and communicate them tofollowers. If you don't change, you won't grow! Are you known as a personwho embraces change? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

4. Risk Taker. Whenever we try something new, we are taking a risk. That ispart of growing though and it is imperative. Most people are risk averse.Not the leader! They calculate the risk and what is to be gained from takingthe risk. Then they communicate that to the followers and away they go to abetter tomorrow! Are you known as a person who is willing to take risks? Ifso, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

5. Tenacious. The tendency of the follower is to quit when the going getstough. Two or three tries and their motto becomes "If at first you don'tsucceed, give up and try something else." Not the leader! They know whatgood lies beyond this brick wall and they will go and get it. Then they willbring others with them! Are you known as a person who is tenacious? If so,you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

6. Catalytic. A leader is ultimately one who gets people going. They areable to move others out of their comfort zone and on toward the goal! Theycan raise the passion, enthusiasm and the ACTION of those who would follow.Are you known as a catalyst? If so, you will become an Extraordinary Leader!

7. Dedicated/ Committed. Followers want people who are more devoted andcommitted then themselves. At the first sign of lack of commitment,followers scatter for the doors. If the leader sees the end and is bailingout, they better get out first. Followers follow those who will stick it outbecause they see the importance of the task and the goal. Are you known as aperson who is committed and devoted to the goal? If so, you will become anExtraordinary Leader!

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

Leadership is best defined by the quality of your thoughts, decisions and actions. It is also underpinned by the quality of the tools you use in your role. Be seen to bring true leadership to your organization and act with the authority that it brings to you.