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Did you know that up to 80% of leaders fail? In other words, they failed to move their business forward in some way. Yes, that sounds high, I believe primarily because everyone defines success and failure in different ways. For example, I once had someone who worked for me who was an amazing leader in several areas, however in some people’s eyes, unfortunatley this person failed. The people who felt this person failed obviously didn’t know the work going on behind the scenes. But as they say, “Perception is Reality.” People forget though that some of the greatest leaders in history failed over and over but stayed in the game had grit and perserverance and ultimately became some of the best. You ask Who? Abraham Lincoln for one. He had several nervous breakdowns and failed political runs before he was elected president. Michael Jordan for another didn’t make his high school basketball team! Failing and making mistakes are part of the learning process. That’s exactly what makes you the best! 
Once you walk in a leader’s shoes, and understand the decisions they have to make on a day-to-day basis, I believe most “reasonable’ people would have a better appreciation for the challenging behind the scenes work of a leader. Is every leader perfect and good at everything? No. There are very few what I call “Blue Chip” leaders out there who are close to having the whole package. Are there certain characteristics a leader needs to have to become a “Blue Chip” Leader? Yes, I believe so!
Here are a few:
1. HAVE VISION
If you don’t know where you want to go as a leader you have a big problem. Stakeholders want and need to know that the “best is yet to come.” It’s a leader’s job to make that happen!
Here’s a quick exercise for you to think about your vision:
What are three accomplishments you will have in your business by the end of the year?
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What are three accomplishments you will have in your business in next 5 years?
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2. VARIED SKILLS
In this day and age, you need more than just one or two solid skills as a leader. You have to have multiple skills sets and you have to as Jack Welch says “Change before you have to change.”
So let’s figure out what your skills are!
My Sweet Spot Skills
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Areas I need to improve:
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3. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships can be the foundation for a leaders work. Ask yourself who are the people in your organization with the most influence? You’ll be surprised to find that often it is not the formal leaders. Once you get to know these “influencers” make sure they are in your communication loop and are part of your team. The “law of the inner circle” states you are only as strong as the people around you. Make sure they are strong, help fill your skill gaps, and have influence!
People of influence:
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4. IMPROVE YOUR KNOWLEDGE
If you work in schools you better know instruction. etc. If you work in sales you better know the product you’re selling inside and out. If you’re in the health care industry you better know the health care industry! You see where I’m going with this? Knowledge is power and your staff will know when you don’t know your stuff…whatever it is!
What do I need to Know:
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5. ACTION ORIENTED & DECISION MAKING
Every organization, department or business has its “Elephant” in the room. It’s the thing they don’t talk about because it usually a major personnel issue or unhealthy system. If you find out what these “elephants” are and take care of a few early in your administration you will add some credibility to your leadership. “Blue Chip” leaders find a way to win!
Decision making makes or breaks a leader. Good decisions create momentum bad decisions can cost you your credibility!
Elephants in my business/organization
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6. COMMUNICATION/LISTENING
It’s said that President Rooselvelt would at dinner parties tell people he killed his grandma just to see if people were listening to him. I’m not sure if this is a true story, but I would agree that most people on a scale from 1 – 4 listen at the lowest level which is basically listening to themselves think about whats next on their to-do list.
Communicating and knowing how and who to communicate with is definitely a “blue chip” skill.
Who are five people you talk to each day and at what level 1 – 4 do you think you listen to them?
Example: Rick, 1
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7. INTANGIBLES
My mentor, John Maxwell and I believe every person has”God Given”gifts. Some individuals have natural gifts in the leadership area. These gifts include knowing when to make a leadership “moves” which is naturally knowing, doing, and seeing what needs to be done and how to do it.
Knowing what yours are is important!
List some of your intangibles?
Examples: Creative thinking, Work Ethic, Communication, etc.
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Thanks for reading. We hope this helps in someway! We are here to serve you! Please call 1(800)410-1914 to learn how we can come help take you and your team to the next level.
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