Exemplary Leaders

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
~ Arthur Ashe

I was in Chicago this week facilitating a Situational Leadership workshop. There is an activity in the workshop where people think about a leader who has made a difference in their life – helped them feel both successful and effective. As I introduce the activity, I tell the story of a leader I was blessed to have early in my adult life – Bill Neal. NOTE: I hope he is not too embarrassed if he reads this :)

From 1984 to 1986, while I was a student at BYU-Hawaii, Bill was my mentor, coach and friend (and still is today). What about him makes him such a great leader? I believe leadership is a combination of character and competence. First and foremost, Bill is a person of absolute integrity, someone who lives what he believes – he models the way. As far as his competencies, he demonstrates all the skills and behaviors my workshop participants identified as keys to effective leadership:

• Communicates a clear vision
• Is flexible and adaptable
• Truly listens
• Shows his belief in me
• Builds trusting relationships
• Provides direction and support as needed

Who have been your exemplary leaders? Why not send off a note or give them a call, thanking them for the example they have set in your life?

Feel free to share their story with the rest of us…

Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing.
~ Albert Schweitzer