Have you ever had the great privilege and good fortune to work with and for a leader who inspires you by their words and most importantly, by their actions? If you did, you are among the fortunate few because far too many people in leadership roles are ill-equipped to lead with effectiveness. As a result, many people are simply going to work to make a living as opposed to making a difference.
In 1937, Napoleon Hill wrote his book, Think and Grow Rich after studying the traits and habits of 500 self-made millionaires of his time. In the book, Hill introduces the world to the 11 attributes of major leadership but what is quite amazing, and to be quite honest, I am still in awe with this book; is how relevant these attributes are in 2018.
If you have not read the book, I implore you to read it, especially if you are responsible for leading people. Here are the 11 attributes of effective leadership as outlines by Napoleon Hill.
Willingness to Assume Full Responsibility.
The successful leader must be willing to assume responsibility for the mistakes and the shortcomings of her followers. If she tries to shift the responsibility, she will not remain the leader. If one of her followers makes a mistake and shows herself incompetent, the leader must consider that it is she who failed.
Definiteness of Decision.
The person who wavers in her decisions shows that she is not sure of herself. She cannot lead others successfully.
Definiteness of Plans.
The successful leader must plan his/her work, and work their plan. A leader who moves by guesswork, without practical, definite plans, is comparable to a ship without a rudder. Sooner or later she will land on the rocks.
Unwavering Courage
Based upon knowledge of self, and of one’s occupation. No follower wishes to be led by a leader who lacks self-confidence and courage.
A Keen Sense of Justice.
Without a sense of fairness and justice, no leader can command and retain the respect of her followers.
Cooperation.
The successful leader must understand and apply the principle of cooperative effort and be able to induce her followers to do the same. Leadership calls for POWER, and power calls for COOPERATION.
Self Control.
The person who cannot control herself can never control others. Self-control sets a mighty example for one’s followers.
The Habit of Doing More Than Paid For.
One of the penalties of leadership is the necessity of willingness upon the part of the leader to do more than she requires of her followers.
A Pleasing Personality.
No slovenly, careless, or unpleasant person can become a successful leader. Leadership calls for respect.
Sympathy and Understanding.
The successful leader must be in sympathy with her followers. Moreover, she must understand them and their problems.
Mastery of Detail.
Successful leadership calls for mastery of details of the leader’s position.
According to Matt Ladin, 75 years ago Hill wrote:
“The relation of employer and employee, or of leader and follower, in the future, will be one of mutual cooperation, based upon an equitable division of the profits of business. In the future, the relationship between employer and employee will be more like a partnership then it has been in the past.”
Someone who can follow a leader most efficiently is usually the person who develops into leadership most rapidly. An intelligent follower has many advantages, among them the OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE FROM HIS/HER LEADER.
Wishful thinking, perhaps? According to Matt, collectively, it would appear that we still have a lot of work to do.