We live in a world with an unclear and
constantly changing set of rules, laws, and procedures, which affects the way
people behave or run their businesses; potentially working under the effects of
large economic swings, with lower growth, higher inflation or unemployment
rates, a legal system that does not promote free trade or real competition, not
to mention the difficult political situations that exists in several countries.
Today, leaders have to excel in
uncertainty. These leaders have strong qualities and values, with an optimist’s
approach to life. They have the characteristics of a strong performer, always
working under pressure, having to demonstrate a sense of urgency.
In my best selling book ‘The Ultimate
Success Guide’ I talk all about leadership in uncertainty. In part, I talk about the 10 characteristics
that I believe a great leader has to have in uncertain times. These 10 characteristics are:
1.
Commitment – The leader has a commitment to one’s
people and co-workers in order to continuously demonstrate their presence with
them in their own terrain, showing responsibility above all.
2.
Understanding – A leader is capable and needs to
listen, watch and understand all changing and uncertain circumstances, even
when all of the information is not present. A leader is in touch with the
people and understands their necessities by heart.
3.
Connectivity - A leader is able to communicate
effectively, creating alliances and relationships with all kinds of people. The
leader is in touch with the people on a daily basis, in order to explain the
ideas, tasks, responsibilities and challenges to others.
4.
Vision - Leaders have a strong and profound
vision. They believe in their own
objectives, but they are also willing to look at areas where other people see
problems as opportunities.
5.
Values – A true leader believes that the best way
to lead the people is by example. They
live by the true values and principles that guide them, maintaining their human
and spiritual qualities.
6.
Knowledge – A leader is constantly looking for
knowledge. They understand the needs of
the society and following the path of continuous education and learning.
7.
Creativity and Imagination – Leaders are always
implementing creative actions, breaking the rules of traditional schemes. They
anticipate the moment, armed with better ideas and solutions in their back
pocket.
8.
Motivation – A leader continues to motivate
themself as well as others. A leader inspires the ones that need guidance
through speech and actions.
9.
Competitive Attitude – A leader is armed with a
positive attitude and with the motivation to achieve the impossible. They
organize a better view of the future and unify their followers.
10.
Take Action – Now knowing all these qualities that
make a real leader, you need to take action; to decide, make opinions, to go
ahead under real conditions, to be the best all the time, to bring out the best
in all others, and to show the people what you are made of. In some instances, you will need to deliver
under the most difficult circumstances, and this is what will make you a
complete and a true leader.
My father once summed it up excellently
writing “leaders are always people who see beyond the moment, they are likely
to excel in the midst of serious problems, creating a vision and motivating
people to achieve it”.
