10 Attributes of a Successful Leader

Gordon Graham here. It is hard to believe that it is December already – and we are preparing for the Christmas Season and a New Year. Who knows what 2011 will bring, but we are sure facing a lot of challenges as a Nation and a recitation of these concerns is not necessary for people who have the sense to be visiting this site.

Additionally, for those of you who are still active, your organization will be facing unprecedented major challenges. As I read what is going on around our Country with respect to layoffs, brownouts, closures, consolidation, regionalization, freezes and other issues caused by the ongoing financial problems, I worry about who will be facing and handling these issues throughout 2011.

While it is difficult to predict the future, I can state with certainty that true “leaders” will be absolutely essential in the world of public safety (in general) and the fire service (in particular). And a quick glance at the Amazon site will give you a list of books on this topic – and there are thousands of them.

If you have been to any of my live programs, you know I am a huge fan of “checklists”. On my recommended reading list, I cite a book by Dr. Atul Gawande – “Checklist Manifesto” – and if someone were looking for a gift to give you, this would be an excellent choice. The author is an M.D., and he talks about the value of “checklists” in the medical world – and talks about how many problems could have been prevented had there been a checklist in place – and if that checklist was taken seriously.

I got hooked on “checklists” in Graduate School some thirty-five years ago, and have been a fan of them ever since then. I have developed checklists for my personal use and for the use of public safety agencies, and frankly when they are properly designed and fully utilized, they can be of great value.

In the news recently was the story of the Qantas (and I automatically typed in a “U” following the “Q” – and the spellchecker lit up – so there you have a deviation from the rule that “U” always follows “Q” in spelling) A380 that suffered the engine problem after leaving Singapore Airport. We know that the plane was able to return to the field safely with no loss of life, but what I liked the most in the post incident review of that “close call” was how calm the Captain was on the Public Address system – and I wish I would have recorded his exact comments to the passengers. Here is a close approximation of what he said.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, as you have probably noticed we have a problem with an engine, and we will be returning to the airport to get this fixed. There is no reason for immediate concern on your part, as I am going through the respective CHECKLISTS in place to address this problem, and all is well.”

Dr. Gawande talks about the value of checklists in aviation, construction and many other professions throughout his work, and I have personal knowledge regarding a number of tragedies that were either prevented or reduced in magnitude because “operators” were familiar with and utilized the checklists that were in place.

So here we are on page two of this piece – and you might be wondering where I am headed with this. My daughter went to Santa Clara University, and I was glancing at the magazine she gets as a graduate – and since I spent the equivalent of the price of a house on those four years – I make it a point to read this periodical upon receipt. The final page of the Winter 2010 iteration has a well-written piece by James Kouzes and Barry Posner entitled “Ten Truths About Leadership”.

While this is not a “checklist” per se, it is a list and I checked each of these off as I read them – and thought about them and how they applied to my work and to the organizations to which I give advice. The authors note that they reviewed existing literature, conducted studies and gathered data to put this list together and with full credit to them, here is their “list” about the attributes that successful leaders possessed (and utilized) in the past – and what is necessary for future leaders to be doing.

You make a difference.
Credibility is the foundation of leadership.
Values drive commitment.
Focusing on the future sets leaders apart.
You can’t do it alone.
Trust rules.
Challenge is the crucible for greatness.
You either lead by example or you don’t lead at all.
The best leaders are the best learners.
Leadership is an affair of the heart.

And here is my take on their list.

If you don’t believe you can make a difference in the quality of your organization, you should not attempt to lead. A good man (or want) knows his limitations so if you don’t think you can make a difference – then don’t accept a leadership position.
If people don’t believe you (or believe in you) you will never succeed.
Let people know what you are all about.
Anyone can address the issues of the past – the leaders are constantly looking into the future – five seconds to five decades – and are asking where they and the organization need to be, and what needs to be done to get there successfully.
This is the difference between dictatorship (which always fails) and leadership.
Trust is a two way street – so trust your people and behave in a trustworthy manner.
No one recognizes leadership when things are going well – but when challenges arise true leadership becomes apparent to all involved.
Set the proper example.
Continuous learning is absolutely essential. And one of my pet peeves is that too many people in leadership roles do not read enough.
If you think you have a job, you are not a leader.

So there you have it – some thoughts on leadership – and regardless of your age or position within your organization, these are some truths that must be taken seriously.

I hope there is some benefit to you in my sharing the thoughts of Mr. Kouzes and Mr. Posner and if you found some value here, share it with your co-workers.

I wish you and yours a happy holiday season, and let us all hope for a wonderful 2011.

Gordon Graham
Co-President, Lexipol