Peer to Peer Magazine

45 WWW.ILTANET.ORG Characteristics of Capable Leaders FEATURES DONNA FRENCH DUNN Donna French Dunn, CAE, is Senior Consultant at Tecker International, LLC. She has earned a reputation as an "association architect" and is happiest being part of a team that is building something new, whether it's a program, a network, a process or a certification system. Donna has one motivation that is a personal mission: to make sure people have what they need to be the best they can be. And she's spent more than 25 years in association leadership putting her mission into action. Contact her at dfdunn@tecker.com. Google "leadership," and you will get over 794 million hits — overkill in trying to find an answer to our question. Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines leadership as "the office or position of leading; capacity to lead; the act of leading a group of people or organization," while Wikipedia explains it as "both a research area and a practical skill regarding the ability of an individual or organization to lead or guide other individuals, teams or entire organizations." If we truly want to know what leadership is, it is not helpful to get definitions that include part of the word. Or as a colleague told me, "I can't define it, but I know it when I see it." We know good leaders when we see them: They can use information to illuminate decisions, think broadly while focusing on issues, evaluate options and implications, and make decisions and communicate their reasons clearly. We admire leaders who provide a vision for the future when facing challenges, those who will take risks to bring on change or make a difference. But what characteristics does a good leader possess? Key Attributes of Effective Leaders There are four key aributes of effective leaders. First is an unassuming self-confidence. Self- confidence is the assurance of one's own abilities and judgment; what makes it "unassuming" is that the quiet confidence in one's abilities is paired with understanding the limits of those abilities. We all know people like this: individuals who carry their inner strength and belief in a manner that invites others to join in. Effective leaders are self-aware. Being self-aware involves knowing one's strengths, weaknesses, gis and challenges. Self-awareness goes beyond acknowledging our areas of challenge and consciously adapting to compensate or accommodate for those weaknesses. For example, knowing that she is quick to become irritated when someone asks many questions, an effective leader may develop a mindful ability to breathe, listen and be open to such lines of questioning. Another characteristic of effective leaders is an ability to work comfortably in ambiguity. Some people find ambiguous situations unbearable, but organizational environments are continually changing, and leaders must oen make decisions without waiting for all helpful information. The effective leader is comfortable contributing to conversations leading to a decision point based on incomplete information or changing circumstances. Aligned with ambiguity is flexibility, the ability to adjust as the environment changes. Flexibility is the capacity to adapt without angst when additional information drives a change in direction. It does not mean changing positions from moment to moment but rather gathering information, adapting and working with other stakeholders to develop a different approach. Flexibility in leadership is also demonstrated when there is a difference of opinion and the individual can adjust perspective and support the decision ultimately made. Unassuming self-confidence, self-awareness, comfort with ambiguity and flexibility are core characteristics for effective leaders. Not to worry if you were not born with these characteristics; for many people, they are learned behaviors. All it takes is openness to learning about yourself and practice. Leadership Behaviors There are other characteristics of effective leaders that are especially important when on a leadership team. Capable leaders are good communicators. They can articulate issues succinctly and clearly, sharing ideas, thoughts, experiences and information in ways that allow others to grasp what is being provided. Communication is a two-way street, and listening is also an essential part of communication. Good leaders welcome information. They ask questions and are not formulating a response while another individual is speaking. They take notes and seek clarification. Through listening, they add what they learn to the information and experience they already have. Related to communication, good leaders synthesize information. They make sense out of disparate details and then share that synthesis with others. Good leaders connect the dots. Good leaders are reliable. They are respected in their fields and have reputations for good work. Leaders have a passion for their organization, industry and profession that translates into commitment. Unassuming self-confidence, self-awareness, comfort with ambiguity and flexibility are core characteristics for effective leaders.

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