Leading with Perseverance
"We Weren't Born to Follow" – Bon Jovi
In troubling times, some people refuse to turn their backs on their journeys and, thus, continue fighting the roadblocks with which they have been presented. This perseverance may stem from such factors as confidence in one's skills and knowledge or dedication to attaining one's desired outcomes. These people inspire us to be our best and aim to steer us in the right direction by encouraging us that our dreams are worth the obstacles that we must battle. They teach us that we have the strength necessary to achieve our goals and help us along our own paths. They are there for us when we need them most. These people are leaders passionate about promoting unity and making a difference.
One of the most productive ways to serve as an effective leader is to look at the constructive examples set forth by others who have made lasting impacts. Among some of the key visionaries who have sought to improve life through their unique contributions are artists. By instructing, empowering, and helping others to broaden their perspectives through their artistic creativity and the experiences which they share, many artists lead the way for progressive movement within society. Through their charismatic qualities, which include their passion to inspire and power to energize their fans, artists often excel at finding innovative ways to bring people together for common causes. They recognize the importance for unity and in addressing many of the critical topics that face society. By taking proactive stances, they demonstrate that they realize their roles in initiating change, care about the well-being and prioritize the needs of others, and are willing to invest into the future. Through empathy and compassion, many artists seek to light the way for those who need hope and guidance, and, through love, understanding, and kindness, they lead the way for all of society to emulate. In the face of adversity, these leaders will not back down but, rather, they stay committed to their principles and are courageous in transcending the greatest barriers. Their fearlessness and focus assist them as they serve as trendsetters who are not afraid to take risks and exert the extra effort required in taking actions that cultivate growth within society. Moreover, they also encourage all individuals to embrace and use their unique strengths to contribute positively to society. We should strive to learn from these positive role models as we dare to search beyond the boundaries and discover ways to make lifelong impacts that benefit others.
Appreciative
Noticing
Empathetic
Educated
"Undefeated" – Daughtry
People are looking for a leader…
Someone who will take them through perilous times
Someone who they can trust
Someone who will steadfastly be there for them
Someone who will take a stand
Someone who is compassionate and unselfish
Someone who respects others
Someone whose love surpasses boundaries
Someone who will think about others before themselves
Someone who is confident yet humble
Someone who shares their ideals but is visionary
Someone who will take charge
Someone who understands the importance of unity
Someone who is optimistic
Someone who looks for the beauty in all things
Someone who is truthful and genuine
Someone who is committed to improving the world
"The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives…is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results." – Andrew Carnegie
Qualities of Effective Leaders
People need effective leaders, those who are willing to guide them to serve as productive contributors of society and who are willing to encourage them to find fulfillment in life. Successful leaders can motivate people, help them to feel valued and appreciated, and unite many in a common vision to improve the world in which they live. Motivation is best achieved when the needs of people are addressed. While it is certainly important to meet the physical needs for survival, leaders desiring to be effectual must be concerned with the emotional needs of the people whom they direct. Many people desire to identify with and contribute to groups in which they feel content, connected, and cared for.
Leaders are visionaries who set goals and establish new directions by appealing to their followers. Since followers are not subordinates, but rather volunteers who are often seeking ways to make a difference, leaders must be persuasive, inspirational, and passionate about making changes. Although there are many different leadership styles which can be implemented, the common goals of leaders are to create vision, empower followers with confidence, and stimulate followers to take action. People who prioritize the ability to make a difference often seek leaders who are innovators, inspirers. motivators, and risk-takers. In order to gain the trust and loyalty of followers, leaders need to be willing to look at the present issues in a rational manner and focus on the changes that need to be endorsed in order to affect the future while emphasizing values and creating resourceful ways to attain goals. They often find themselves challenging rules when taking proactive measures and will not back down from opposing pressure as their focus is achieving ambitions and motivating people to make changes for the cultivation of themselves, as well as society. As effective leaders excite people to realize and accomplish shared visions, they can instill within the followers a sense of fulfillment that is attained through achieving purpose. When goals for the improvement of society are established and reached, people may feel pleased, productive, and empowered.
In addition to helping people feel a sense of satisfaction in generating change, successful leaders will also strive to assist followers in feeling a sense of belonging. Information and communication are key in helping followers to thrive when aspiring to reach goals. Followers must have a clear understanding of not only the vision at hand but also their role in effectuating change. Participants should be encouraged to recognize their extraordinary skills that they can devote to enriching the group and should be inspired to believe in themselves and the difference they are able to make. They should also be invited to contribute their ideas towards establishing objectives in reaching goals. Consideration should be given to all contributors, and every member of a group should be made to feel equally important. Moreover, followers should feel supported which can be achieved when pathways of communication are opened. The ability to develop constructive relationships helps people to share thoughts more effectively, work together, overcome obstacles, and achieve united goals. Positive and engaging relationships can also assist participants in feeling connected to the cause. As followers recognize their vital part in igniting change and feel respected, they will be inspired to take the necessary measures in seeing visions fulfilled.
In addition to being provided the opportunities to use their voices and unique abilities in striving towards progress, followers must also be made to feel genuinely appreciated, not just for their contributions but also for themselves. Leaders who are grateful will take the time to recognize, acknowledge, and encourage the accomplishments of the contributors, facilitating senses of pride and esteem among those who are dedicated to the vision. Additionally, they will seek to be servants and will, to the best of their abilities, accommodate the needs of those trying to invest their time and other resources into achieving the vision. For example, leaders will not just focus on the end results and efficiency of their followers, but they will be also concerned about the overall well-being of those who are exerting effort to accomplish goals. Leaders must have the best interest of their followers at heart and must be willing to demonstrate their intentions through such methods as recognizing the needs of the members within their groups and administering fair treatment to all. Successful leaders will be able to adapt to a variety of circumstances, set forth examples, and lend emotional support to their followers. People who know that they are cared for tend to be motivated to put forth their best effort and stay committed to the changes which need to transpire in order to observe positive growth.