To serve as a quality and effective leader, one must be willing to undergo a program of self-improvement, including attitude adjustment, skill enhancement, real learning, improved judgment, and gaining true wisdom. Obviously, this is not a one-step procedure, but requires a focus on service, efficiency and quality, combined with an understanding, there may be a danger in jumping in the trash, or snap judgments. Your decision-making process must be near holistic, and you must be ready, willing, and able to balance the need for timely action, with the ability to find facts, consider thoroughly, and be decisive—based on facts! In other words, a quality leader is also a CAREFUL one, however, being careful, is a very different thing from procrastination!
1. Cautious; curious; cooperative; intelligent: Will you be cautious in your deliberations and avoid the trap of assuming something is fact when it could just be someone else’s opinion? Do you have an inquisitive mind and always want to get as much information etc. as possible? Are you cooperative, or do you tend to be adversarial? Would others consider you intelligent, due to the combination of your wit, wisdom, insight and judgment?
2. Attitude; attention; articulate: Do you proceed with a positive, can-do attitude, but without the danger of wearing rose-tinted glasses? Are you focused enough to pay close attention to all relevant information, etc.? Will you clearly articulate your findings, viewpoints, opinions, and perspective, so your constituents can better understand your reasoning and increase your chances of winning their support?
3. Important; reliable; manager: Will you prioritize focusing on relevant issues, concerns, and priorities, rather than getting bogged down in insignificant things? Will you be perceived as trustworthy, both because you are and because of the way you investigate the facts? Are you a responsible leader and would you like own up their responsibilities, instead of just blaming and complaining?
4. empathic; Excellence; of correction: Will your deliberations take into account the needs, priorities, concerns and perceptions of those you serve, and will you proceed in an empathetic manner? Do you strive for excellence, especially in everything you do? Are you sure of your goals and reasons, and are you demanding in your actions and attitude?
5. face the facts; in focus: Will you proceed with your eyes wide open and will you be willing to face the facts in a clear and focused manner?
6. Useful; usable: Are your plans focused on what they should be and are they really useful for the group? Is your approach usable, that others can, and will duplicate and apply?
7. Hear; learn; leadership: The fundamentals of true leadership are listening attentively and carefully, learning from what you hear, and becoming a meaningful and effective leader!
While many obtain leadership positions, far fewer become true leaders! Will you do whatever it takes to be an effective, CAREFUL leader?
