The most elementary differentiation between someone in leadership, and a leader, is that the former are guided by what has been done and ceremonial responsibilities/ considerations, while the latter’s focus is on how to enhance the viability, relevance and sustainability of his organization, creating trends and leading his group in an evolutionary, well – considered manner. One cannot realistically make that all essential transformation, and jump from merely holding some position to actually leading, unless he is focused and is guided by his most relevant and meaningful GOALS, rather than becoming satisfied with stale thinking, doing the same old – same old, and prioritizing maintaining the staus quo, often at the expense of long – term relevance and sustainability. There are many reasons that these goals are important, but this mnemonic review might help simplify and put it into perspective.
1. Great leaders follow up their evaluation and review when they generate a comprehensive plan that focuses on needs, with an eye on being in sync with the mission of the organization. This active planning must then lead the individual to creating and developing a meaningful agenda, with a corresponding timeline and responsibility chart. This step won’t just happen, but requires being proactive and directed.
2. In order for the planning and actions taken to have maximum impact and relevance, one must know the multiple options so that he can evaluate which to prioritize. When this is done properly, an individual is far more able to proceed with eyes wide open, thus understanding when an opportunity presents itself, and realizing that often the difference between potential greatness and weakness is often discovering opportunities and realizing that when these are not taken advantage of, they might not present themselves again.
3. There is a need to sync one’s attitude with improved, developed, quality aptitude, for the development of the final result, which should hopefully be well directed action. When these are used in unison, a leader’s potential is exponentially enhanced.
4. There is no real leadership until, and unless one, commits to lead by example. A true leader recognizes that unless he not only talks the talk, but rather walks the all important walk, he will never sufficiently motivate and guide others to being more involved and committed.
5. This must all lead to the essential strength of character, where someone is guided by principles and goals, rather than politics or popularity.
When we focus on goals, we become achievement – oriented, rather than merely rhetorical populists. The ramifications of the approach and perspective often determines how sustainable an organization may become.