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Why Character is Required to Make You An Effective Leader
John Eades
13 Jun
Presented by
Stop obsessing over your status. Start focusing on your character.
Shortcomings in character are detrimental to leading a team effectively. Because if people don’t trust you, you can’t lead them.
If you care about your character, this week is for you.
I. If you fail at character, you fail at leadership.
What it means:
75% of employees believe integrity is the most essential attribute in a leader, and 85% of executives agree that character is crucial for effective leadership. However, trust is at an all-time low. Employees are frustrated with the lack of character and empty corporate promises.
Getting caught up in chasing titles, accolades, and outward signs of success is easy. But here's a crucial reminder:
Your status is fleeting.
What truly endures is your character.
Leadership isn't just about the position you hold—it's about the person you are. Shortcomings in character are detrimental to leading a team effectively. Because if people don't trust you, you can't lead them.
Simply put:
If you fail at character, you fail at leadership.
II. Employees follow people, not titles.
What it means:
No leader is perfect, but you can always have a preference for better character. Too often, organizations settle for leaders with below-average character by saying, “That’s just the way she is,” or “That’s ok; he produces a lot of revenue.” This attitude is a culture killer because people don’t follow titles they follow people.
Leaders who prioritize character see a 26% increase in team performance, and 90% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that trusts their leadership.
Put people in positions of leadership that have high character because it will impact performance and retention.
III. Character is made virtuous by sacrifice and discipline.
What it means:
Character is an engraved set of disciplines to do good. It’s the mental and moral qualities distinctive to you. Character is proven when people can predict what you’re going to do.
Being a person of high character requires sacrifice and discipline, which is why most people fail. In the short term, it’s easier to lie than face the truth. To cut a corner to finish a project faster. However, a lack of character eventually reveals itself.
Get in the habit of sacrificing things you want now for what you want more later on.
Keep Leading Your Best,
John Eades | CEO LearnLoft
Accountability is an Advantage (Video)
If you want to increase your performance, you must increase accountability.
Accountability isn't a negative; it's a positive. The willingness to accept responsibility and invite others into your journey is a strength, not a weakness.
Do you agree with this take?
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What is the most essential attribute of a leader?We know they are all important, but you have to pick one. |
Here are some ways we could work together:
Customized Accelerate Leadership Program - Only 15% of new managers receive training, and 60% of leaders fail within 18 months. Instead of hoping your most talented people figure out how to be leaders, now is the time to show them how. Introducing the Accelerate Leadership Program. Provide your managers with the foundation to be successful with tailored examples, tools, and stories to fit your company culture. Ideal for managers, supervisors, and executives in groups of 8+. Here is how managers at an Engineering firm rated the program this week:
Skill Mastery Workshops - Provide 2-hour virtual or in-person skill mastery workshops to groups of 8+. Focus on skills like Accountability, Coaching, Relationship Building, Strategic Decision Making, Time Management, Team Execution, Retention, Recruiting, Leadership Fundamentals, or Change Management.
1:1 Executive Leadership Coaching - Get 1:1 coaching to help develop your skills or the leaders in your organization. Coaching programs are 3 or 6 months in length and include a LearnLoft Certified coach.
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