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I’ve been thinking a lot these days about what it takes to be a Leader. Do you need Charisma? Power? Intelligence? Good Looks? Is Leadership a quality that you are born with – or is it something that can be developed? And how do you know if you’re a Leader vs. a fool angling to be a Leader?

For years I have heard people say – “If People Follow You – Then You are a Leader”. And while I don’t disagree with that statement – I will say that I’ve seen an awful lot of people follow the wrong folks for all the wrong reasons. Of course – this has more to do with the distinction of being a Toxic Leader vs. being a Remarkable Leader. So let’s break this down:

Toxic Leaders:

  • May Be Visionary or Charismatic
  • Often Push Their Own Agendas – and are Motivated by their Own Self-Interests
  • Understand How to Play Office Politics – and Win
  • Are Often Unethical or Amoral
  • Can be extremely persuasive

Remarkable Leaders:

  • Have the Ability to Hold Crucial Conversations without wounding Egos
  • Have the power of Influence – but balance it with the power of Vision
  • Are Candid, Authentic, Open, & Transparent
  • Understand the Big Picture – and can put their cause before themselves
  • Live in Integrity – choosing to do what is RIGHT over what is EASY
  • Understand the incredible power of Transformation as it applies to their followers