Who Is Our Next Great Leader?

Checklist for Executive Leaders of Nations, Cities, States, and Businesses

We are regularly choosing leaders. We vote them in based upon popularity, name recognition, their ability to campaign, and our emotional inclinations and ideologies.

Sometimes, we choose very effective leaders. Sometimes ineffective leaders become more effective. Often, we hire or elect people who are not the best choices.

I brainstormed an incomplete checklist this morning and invite you to add to it.

I think an effective leader:

• Has a temperament for leadership.
• Has an ability to solicit, consider, and weigh advice.
• Is able to assemble a good team of advisors with varied perspectives.
• Is wise, discerning, and balanced.
• Is smart enough to understand complexity.
• Is decisive when decisions are necessary.
• Is emotionally mature.
• Has integrity, honesty, and a sense of fairness.
• Is guided by a moral compass.
• Has courage of convictions.
• Understands the evolving values of democracy.
• Makes room at the table for all.
• Can get along with people, especially other leaders.
• Has a sense of decency and respect for humanity.
• Is compassionate.
• Is liberal, conservative, and moderate and knows how one can be all.
• Sees the value in and is able to compromise.
• Knows how to communicate a vision.
• Is organized or depends upon people who are.
• Works hard.
• Studies hard.
• Has a sense of humor.
• Agrees with me on most things . (This is on the top of most people's lists and, while this list is random, this one item is near the bottom for me.)

Given the reality that no one meets all of these qualifications perfectly, near the top of the list, it is vitally important to focus on the ability to build good teams of people who have those strengths that are lacking.?

People who are flawed or limited, but who are humble and can build great teams that they rely on are already great leaders.

On one hand, we need to always be looking for such people, encouraging them, and supporting them.

On the other hand, we cannot wait to find them in the crowd. We must be developing them as they rise through the ranks. Then, when we need them, they will be ready.

Connect with me: