The Truth about Leadership

Question 1

Truth 1:

Answer 1

You make a difference

Question 2

Truth 2:

Answer 2

Credibility is the foundation of Leadership

Question 3

Truth 3:

Answer 3

Values drive commitment

Question 4

Truth 4:

Answer 4

Focusing on the future sets leaders apart

Question 5

Truth 5:

Answer 5

You can’t do it alone

Question 6

Truth 6:

Answer 6

Trust Rules

Question 7

Truth 7:

Answer 7

Challenge is the crucible for greatness

Question 8

Truth 8:

Answer 8

You either lead by example or you don’t lead at all

Question 9

Truth 9:

Answer 9

The best leaders are the best learners

Question 10

Truth 10:

Answer 10

Leadership is an affair of the heart

Question 11

Truth 1:

Answer 11

You make the difference
It is the most fundamental truth of all. Before you can lead, you have to believe that you can have a positive impact on others. You have to believe in yourself. That’s where it all begins. Leadership begins when you believe you can make a difference.

Question 12

Truth 2:

Answer 12

Credibility is the foundation of leadership
You have to believe in you, but others have to believe in you, too. What does it take for others to believe in you? Short answer: credibility. We’ve said it many times, but we need to say it again, especially in these times when people have become cynical about their leaders and institutions: If people don’t believe in you, they won’t willingly follow you.

Question 13

Truth 3:

Answer 13

Values driver Commitment
People want to know what you stand for and believe in. They want to know what you value. And leaders need to know what others value if they are going to be able to forge alignments between personal values and organizational demands.

Question 14

Truth 4:

Answer 14

Focusing on the future sets leaders apart
The capacity to imagine and articulate exciting future possibilities is a defining competence of leaders. You have to take the long-term perspective. Gain insight from reviewing your past and develop outsight by looking around.

Question 15

Truth 5:

Answer 15

You can’t do it alone
No leader ever got anything extraordinary done without the talent and support of others. Leadership is a team sport, and you need to engage others in the cause. What strengthens and sustains the relationship between the leader and constituent is that the leaders are obsessed with what is best for others, not what is best for themselves.

Question 16

Truth 6:

Answer 16

Truth Rules
If you can’t do it alone and have to rely on others, what’s needed to make this happen? Trust. Trust is the social glue that holds individuals and groups together. And the level of trust others have in you will determine the amount of influence you have. You have to earn your constituents’ trust before they’ll be willing to trust you. That means you have to give trust before you can get trust.

Question 17

Truth 7:

Answer 17

Challenge is the crucible for greatness
Exemplary leaders-the kind of leaders people want to follow-are always associated with challenging the status quo. Great achievements don’t happen when you keep things the same. Change invariably involves challenge, and challenge tests you. It introduces you to yourself. It brings you face-to-face with level of commitment, your grittiness, and your values. It reveals your mindset about change.

Question 18

Truth 8:

Answer 18

You either lead by example or you don’t lead at all
Leaders have to keep their promises and become role models for the values and actions they espouse. You have to go first as a leader. You can’t ask others to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself. Moreover, you have to be willing to admit mistakes and be able to learn from them.

Question 19

Truth 9:

Answer 19

The best leaders are the best learners
You have to believe that you (and others) can learn to lead, and that you can become a better leader tomorrow than you are today. Leaders are constant improvement fanatics, and learning is the master skill of leadership. Learning however, takes time and attention, practice and feedback, along with good coaching. It also takes willingness on your part to ask for support.

Question 20

Truth 10:

Answer 20

Leadership is an affair of the heart
It could also be the first truth. Leaders are in love with their constituents, their customers and clients, and the mission that they are serving. Leaders make others feel important and are gracious in showing their appreciation. Love is the motivation that energizes leaders to give so much for others. You just won’t work hard enough to become great if you aren’t doing what you love.