Monday, April 25, 2011

Leadership

Here are twelve indicators to know that leadership is lacking:

1. I wait for someone to tell me what to do rather than taking the initiative myself.

2. I spend too much time talking about how things should be different.

3. I blame the context, surroundings, or other people for my current situation.

4. I am more concerned about being cool or accepted than doing the right thing.

5. I seek consensus rather than casting vision for a preferable future.

6. I am not taking any significant risks.

7. I accept the status quo as the way it’s always been and always will be.

8. I start protecting my reputation instead of opening myself up to opposition.

9. I procrastinate to avoid making a tough call.

10. I talk to others about the problem rather than taking it to the person responsible.

11. I don’t feel like my butt is on the line for anything significant.

12. I ask for way too many opinions before taking action.



-Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson, 

3 comments:

  1. Clint, I have to disagree with number 5 as an either/or proposition. I think it's both/and. Thanks for sharing this.

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  2. Ivy, I'm glad you're pushing back on the list. With a list like this, there should be a bit of push back. However, if I read it correctly, what they mean is that leaders only move forward when they have consensus, and that isn't healthy or effective leadership. At least that's my take.

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  3. Thanks Clint, that makes better sense.

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